AFTER five years as chairman and six as financial director of Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Malcolm Temple has resigned.

The 69-year-old has decided, after steering the railway through some of its most difficult times, to pursue other charitable and political interests.

Alan Bielby has now been appointed by the board as acting chairman and Christopher Bristow as financial director, both of whom are already directors and volunteers with the railway.

Mr Bielby said: “Malcolm leaves the railway knowing it is in good hands and well placed for the future.

“It is currently enjoying its best-ever year. Volunteer numbers are increasing and passenger numbers have already exceeded our previous best in 2009.

“Malcolm has made a significant contribution to the railway during a challenging period and helped to lay the foundations for the railway’s future commercial success as well as its expansion to Broadway and beyond.”