Railway centre is opened by Duke

The Severn Valley Railway was today hosting a visit by the Duke of Gloucester, who was officially opening the attraction's new £3.7million visitor centre.

The Duke was cutting the ribbon at the heritage site's new facility called The Engine House.

The multi-million pound visitor centre is based at the Highley station on the 16-mile steam railway which runs from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth.

A steam locomotive from the railway's working fleet was waiting on to take the Duke and the royal party to the station today.

He was being greeted on his arrival at the Severn Valley Railway by the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire Algernon Heber-Percy

SVR company chairman Michael York and David Williams together with the SVR general manager Nick Ralls were also part of the welcoming party.

His Royal Highness, SVR Patron since 1998, was due to open The Engine House in April but had to cancel because of personal illness.

The Engine House was opened unofficially last year.