VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help the West Somerset Railway’s wagons team prepare for the heritage line’s steam gala next spring.

The team is currently nearing the end of a project in Minehead to restore a former Great Western Railways 10 ton long wheelbase, ventilated, fitted fruit van, Fruit C no 2823.

But the team will be moving to Williton from November where they will work on three or four restoration and repainting projects on wagons there.

The wagons include five-plank open no 135744 and chaired sleeper wagon no 100678.

Spokesman Seb Welsh said: “This move of our team to Williton seems like an ideal opportunity to get involved and to become part of the team.

“We are not short of materials to complete these vehicles but we are short of volunteers, and we require a few more people if we are to complete some of the projects we would like to do before the spring gala next year.

“We are a friendly and welcoming bunch and together we will enjoy plenty of laughs and drink plenty of tea.

“No previous restoration experience is required, we have all learnt on the job.

“There is practical work to suit all abilities, you could get involved in all sorts of tasks, including woodwork, needle gunning, grinding, painting, drilling, and fitting parts, plus much more.

“You will require a WSR PTS, safety boots, and overalls/dirty clothes.

“We usually focus our work on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, but often there is a member of the team on site earlier in the week, too.

“You can help as much or as little as you would like to, even a few days a year would help.

“Perhaps over the winter closed period you fancy a new challenge?”

Mr Welsh said anybody who wanted to know more could go along to meet the team or get in touch with him through Facebook.

Anybody who wants to sign up as a volunteer should complete an online application form here.