Cornwall's BIG little steam railway, Lappa Valley, nr Newquay, put on a special party for one of their longest serving employees - but it wasn’t just any birthday party though - this was a party to celebrate 40 years since one of their steam engines, 'Muffin', was born.Muffin, an 0-6-0 coal-fired tender locomotive, was built in 1967 by Berwyn Engineering of Chippenham and spent his former years at the famous Longleat Park near Bath. But in 1976 Muffin was bought by the founder of Lappa Valley Railway, Eric Booth, and brought to his new Cornish home where he has instilled joy in young and old alike chuffing his way up and down the picturesque narrow-gauge railway line over the past 31 years.Eric (84), who’s family still run Lappa Valley Steam Railway, was captivated by the romance and power of steam as a small boy and bought a disused section of the old Newquay to Chacewater branch line in the early 1970s, building it up over the next 35 years to become one of the most popular unspoilt tourist attractions in the county."Celebrating Muffin's 40th birthday seems very fitting" he said. "Muffin has been one of the most popular engines here and a great servant to the railway. He always looks very smart and powerful in his shiny black livery and the children, in particular, love him".Lappa Valley put on a colourful birthday bash for the proud little engine with visitors and staff joining in the fun as Eric Booth and his daughter, Amanda, presented a specially decorated cake.The attraction is now open daily throughout the half-term weeks right through until Sunday 4 November with the first train departures on each day at 10.30am.