TRAIN sets have always fascinated men. But Steve Asquith managed to play with the ultimate track.

The model-maker worked on the children's TV show Thomas The Tank Engine which brought to life the stories of the Rev W Audrey.

The episodes were filmed at Shepperton Studios; Steve, 59, was the director and Ringo Starr narrated the series which was launched in 1984.

It featured working scale models of Thomas and his other trains.

Steve said: "It was the world's largest train set so very enjoyable to work on."

But then after 24 years TV bosses changed direction and started using computer generated graphics.

So Steve switched tracks in 2008, took up print-making and moved to Whitstable. He has recently opened the Saxon Shore Press just off Oxford Street.

He said: "I wanted to call it Beggar's Press. When I did my MA at Cambridge I visited Poppers Press in London and the owner told me I'd never make any money from print-making.

"But I saw he was making gold-dust covered prints of Damien Hirst's crystal skulls and selling them for £17,000. I thought that was ironic."

However, his wife thought Beggar's Press was "ridiculous" so Saxon Shore was born.

Steve only started etching on his 50th birthday.

He said: "I love drawing and working with charcoal. Print-making is an extension.

"We were living in London but wanted to move out. We looked all over the south east and found Whitstable.

"I just adore watching the sunsets in the summer."

He has opened his studio to anyone who wants to make prints and will also teach.

Call Steve on 07961 342738, email info@saxonshorepress.co.uk or visit www.saxonshorepress.co.uk