TICKET sales for the West Somerset Railway’s (WSR) spring steam gala over the Bank holiday weekend were up by more than half on last year’s event.

Thousands of visitors from all over the country were drawn to the railway, adding to crowds of regular local train enthusiasts despite heavy rain hitting the area.

WSR general manager Kerry Noble said: “We are extremely proud and grateful to our gala planning team for their efforts in organising such a complex and diverse event for our visitors.

“Feedback from passengers has been extremely positive. The event really showcased what the West Somerset Railway can achieve.

“The gala planning team is predominantly made up of volunteers, who co-ordinate the event alongside their other life commitments, which highlights the amount of dedication and time volunteers commit to the railway.”

Ms Noble said planning had started for next year’s spring steam spectacular which she anticipated would be another successful event.

Visiting and WSR fleet locomotives hauled services across an intensive timetable to maximise mileage and opportunities for passengers to experience rarely-used sections of track between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren.

The five visiting steam engines were LNER B1 4-6-0 no.61306 Mayflower, LNWR 0-6-2 Coal Tank no.1054, GWR 66XX 0-6-2 tank no.6695, BR(W) 6959 no.6990 Witherslack Hall, and Hunslet 0-6-0 no.1873 Jessie.

They were supported by BR(W) Manor Class 4-6-0 no.7828 Odney Manor, WSR Mogul 2-6-0 no.9351 and BR(W) 94XX Pannier Tank no.9466, which are members of the railway’s home fleet.

Brake van rides, on-train dining, and a photographic evening were some of the additional attractions available to passengers.

Ms Noble said: “The atmosphere across the railway from volunteers, staff, and visitors was electric and a common comment from passengers was that this gala reminded them of galas of the past.”