VOLUNTEERS on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway are toasting their best-ever year, with passenger numbers exceeding 100,000 for the first time.

This puts the line firmly in the premier division of Britain’s heritage railways and with ambitious expansion plans under way, is set to attract more people to the region, bringing significant benefit to the local tourism economy.

Over the year the railway carried just over 100,000 passengers over its scenic 12-mile route through the Cotswolds a 13 per cent increase over the 88,500 carried during the 2015 season, itself a record.

Colin Fewell, the railway’s volunteer commercial director, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our volunteer-run railway and throughout the year, the records have tumbled.

“Almost all of our special events attracted more visitors than before and especially the Santa Specials which this year, carried over 10,000 people travelling to meet Father Christmas.

“It’s great news for the local economy, too. People who visit our railway also visit local shops and other attractions in the Cotswolds; they stay at local hotels and B and Bs; they visit pubs and restaurants as part of their days out.

“But for the railway, it means that we can invest more in developing our railway to be even better in the future.”

Mr Fewell believes that the railway’s family appeal and range of events with families in mind has been a key to the railway’s runaway success.

“We’re not just for enthusiasts although of course we do have huge appeal for anyone with an interest in railways.

“Events such as Days out with Thomas, War in the Cotswolds, real ale weekends, classic car and bus days and our first food and drink fair, attract people who might not otherwise have come - and many re-visit because they enjoyed their day.

“This year we have another brand new event: Bricks and Trains in conjunction with the Southern Lego Train Club - a fascinating exploration with huge appeal for youngsters and adults.’

The railway has now closed for its winter maintenance break and train services resume on Saturday, March 4.

Full details of train services and special events are at gwsr.com.