Full steam ahead at Bitton's Avon Valley Railway

Avon Valley Railway’s first steam service of the year will be on Mothering Sunday, March 14.

The railway at Bitton will also be operating its popular Three Course First Class Dining Train on that day and is taking bookings.

On Sunday, March 21 the railway will be holding its annual Volunteers' Day. Organised by the Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust, it will enable members of the public to see behind the scenes at one of the region’s major tourist attractions,

Between 11am and 3pm there will be an opportunity to meet the trustees as well as existing volunteers. There will be behind-the-scenes tours, a slide show of the developments made over the last 35 years and a display of volunteering opportunities.

Bob Hitchings, trust chairman, said: “We rely very heavily on our volunteers to run the railway, whether it be driving the trains or behind the scenes.

"We hope that as many people as possible will take this opportunity to see how we are preserving part of the region’s industrial heritage and, as a result, come forward and volunteer themselves.”

During the day there will also be an opportunity to drive one of the railway’s steam locomotives under supervision. For £25 participants will spend 15 minutes learning to drive and a similar amount of time with hands-on experience driving the locomotive. Limited spaces are available.

Meanwhile the railway’s next Thomas the Tank Engine days are Saturday, May 8 and 9.

After the recent visit to Bitton of the replica Rocket engine, a limited edition framed art print of this historic locomotive at Bitton has now been produced.  With only 100 prints available, they are available for a donation of £25 to the Avon Valley Railway Trust. For more information about any of the events at Bitton Station call 0117 932 5538 or visit www.avonvalleyrailway.org