A £50,000 fund-raising appeal to help the West Somerset Railway (WSR) recover from a pre-Christmas landslip has reached its target in less than six weeks.

The urgent appeal was made by the railway’s charitable partner the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA).

It followed a landslip in Combe Florey last December which cut the Minehead to Bishops Lydeard heritage line in two.

The landslip near Tribble Bridge was caused by water run-off from nearby fields and resulted in disruption to the steam railway’s Christmas services, but remedial work was carried out in time to reopen the line for the start of the 2023 season.

WSRA trustees chairman Geoff Garfield said: “We are incredibly grateful to our supporters who contributed to this appeal and helped us achieve our ambitious target.

“This money will make it possible for the West Somerset Railway to complete the recovery from the Combe Florey landslip.

“To reach this figure in only two months, even with match funding from the charity and Government gift aid, is a real landmark, especially given the cost-of-living crisis.”

WSR plc chairman Jonathan Jones-Pratt said: “This is a very good example of all the members of the railway community working together at a difficult time. 

“The operating company is very grateful to Geoff Garfield, his fellow trustees, and, in particular, all the donors for this magnificent effort in a very short space of time.”

WSR head of infrastructure Peter Chilcott said trains were now running the whole length of the railway, although they were under restrictions.

Mr Chilcott said: “We have installed monitoring devices in the embankment, so we can confirm that there is no further slippage.

“The next task is to build the retaining wall, which will prevent any further mud reaching our neighbour’s properties.

“It is hoped the work can be undertaken while trains are running, but this is subject to a number of factors which have yet to be reviewed in detail.

“Funds for this come from our insurance claim.

“Next winter, we plan to remove the track panels where the ballast has been contaminated with mud.

“The ballast will be replaced, and new track laid, so the section will be better than it was before the landslip.

“This work will be funded from the landslip appeal, and we can now plan this in detail, knowing the money is there.”