THE world's largest club of amusement ride fans, the American Coaster Enthusiasts, has donated $5,000 towards the restoration of the Scenic Railway at Margate's Dreamland.

The roller-coaster is one of the few of its kind left in the world and the oldest in Britain.

It relies on a brakeman to control its speed as it has no brakes on the track.

It is the centrepiece of plans to reopen the Dreamland funpark, making it a centre for classic rides.

ACE made the donation worth about £3,300 to repair the ride after it was destroyed by a fire in 2008.

President Mark Cole, said: "The Scenic Railway is one of very few coasters of it's type in the world. We look forward to returning to ride the Scenic Railway in the not too distant future."

Work on the heritage theme park, which will cost £12.5 million, is due to start later this year.

Nick Laister, chairman of the Dreamland Trust, which is leading the project, said: "This demonstrates the level of international interest in the future of the Scenic Railway. I look forward to welcoming members of ACE to Dreamland Margate when the Scenic Railway reopens."

The Scenic Railway caught fire in April 2008. No one has ever been arrested for causing the blaze.

A fence has now been put up around the site to protect the roller-coaster.