IT is full steam ahead for Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway's new season, which the railway hopes will be another record year.

The first trains of the season ran in bright sunshine on March 8 and 9 and will continue to operate until the New Year.

Last year, the railway carried more than 86,000 passengers on its volunteer-run steam and heritage diesel train services, which run from Cheltenham Racecourse to Winchcombe, Toddington and Laverton.

Colin Fewell, volunteer commercial director of the railway, said: “We’ve an exciting programme of special events this year, in addition to our normal weekend, bank holiday and summer weekday trains.

“Last year we organised our first ‘Wartime in the Cotswolds’ event which was a huge success. It’s being repeated again this year, over the weekend of April 26 and 27.

“The annual ‘Cotswold Festival of Steam, on May 24 to 26 will feature at least eight steam locomotives and is following the theme ‘Back to Black’, celebrating the beautiful, big, black locomotives that were the backbone of the British economy."

Other events include the Easter Eggspress, homas the Tank Engine,Real Ale weekends, Fish & Chip specials, classic cars and buses, music, classic car auctions and summer evening ‘rail cruises’.

“Our lovely railway is a vital part of the Cotswolds tourism scene and we’re proud to play such a big part in attracting people to this beautiful part of Britainm" added Mr Fewell.

For a full programme of events and tickets, visit gwsr.com.