NEW volunteers are being accepted by the West Somerset Railway (WSR) for its locomotive department cleaning gang.

A spokesperson said: “As well as meeting friendly, like-minded people, you will also have the opportunity to get up close with our locomotives and begin learning how they work through access to practical and theoretical classroom sessions.

“The gang is also the entrance point for all those with aspirations to progress towards footplate duties.

“There is much to learn, but subject to vacancy and availability, you could become a fireman and, who knows, maybe one day a driver.

“Not only will you receive the huge satisfaction of seeing the locos being prepared to a high standard, but you will also be helping to keep our all-important railway heritage alive for the future, what is not to like?”

The spokesperson said fortnightly scheduled meetings were held in either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead.

Cleaners were also invited to take part in a number of other areas across the railway, such as engineering and lineside clearance tasks.

The spokesperson said: “So, there is plenty of variety, dependant on how much time you have available.”

Applications can be made via the railway’s website, and an informal chat can be arranged by emailing [email protected] for more information.

The WSR has about 800 volunteers whose contribution to ensuring the railway’s success and future growth was said to be ‘absolutely vital’.

The spokesperson said: “On any given day, the footplate crew, guard, ticket inspector, booking clerk, stationmaster, track worker, buffet car steward, and many, many more, are likely to be volunteers.”

The 20-mile line running from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard is the longest heritage railway in the country, and plans have recently been published which could see the WSR regularly connect with mainline train services.