Severn Valley Railway plan volunteer recruitment drive
The Severn Valley Railway is planning to host a jobs fair to recruit a new army of volunteers to help it keep its trains on track.
The heritage line, which is celebrating its golden anniversary, hopes to find enough new faces to keep the attraction running for another 50 years.
The Bridgnorth to Kidderminster line, which attracts more than 200,000 visitors per year, relies on its 1,300 strong body of volunteers to keep running.
Work carried out by volunteers includes maintaining the stations, rebuilding bridges, restoring locomotives, operating the route and organising events.
Clare Gibbard of the SVR said: "We cannot say enough how valuable our volunteers are to us.
"Their enthusiasm, hard work and commitment has put us where we are today, in the hearts of the many thousands of visitors who take to our tracks each year.
"To put it bluntly, without the time they so generously donate for free we simply would not be here today.
"However, there are also many benefits and our volunteers would be the first to explain the enjoyment and pride they feel being part of the SVR team.
"There is also a huge sense of camaraderie and some have become close friends while volunteering on the railway."
Representatives working as station guards, in the booking offices, catering, the on train buffet, diesel groups, retail, carriage and wagon maintenance will be on hand to answer questions during the day.
Youngsters can also join the railway's SVR Junior Club, which gives railway enthusiasts the chance to work on supervised maintenance projects.
The volunteer job fair will take place on Saturday (APR 11), from 10am to 4pm, at Kidderminster Station.
The event will form part of the SVR's members and shareholders weekend, which runs over the weekend.
Mrs Gibbard said: "The weekend offers lots for everyone, whether they are already involved in the railway are, would like to get involved or are simply looking for a great day out."
The SVR has also launched a new exhibition at The Engine House Visitor Centre in Highley to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Further events include Sounds of the 60s in August and the line will also welcome Princess Anne on April 13.
