It's full steam ahead to mark Shropshire railway line's milestone

A programme of events will mark a meeting between of a group of young railway enthusiasts in a Kidderminster pub on July 6, 1965.

The group eventually went on to form the Severn Valley Railway Society and 50 years later the line is still going strong.

The original SVR line had closed two years earlier under the Beeching Axe, a cost-saving measure introduced by Dr Richard Beeching, the then chairman of the British Transport Commission, which saw more than 2,000 stations shut across the country.

Five years after the initial meeting, the first section of the preserved SVR line, between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade, was opened for public passenger services in May 1970, following a successful period of fundraising.

A series of events will bring those pioneering days to life throughout 2015, with founding members joining current staff, volunteers and supporters.

Clare Gibbard of the SVR, said: "Reaching our 50th year is an incredible milestone for the railway and demonstrates the ongoing dedication, passion and hard work of the founding members, volunteers and staff who keep it running smoothly throughout each year.

"We wouldn't be here without the support of all our visitors, enthusiasts and families, and we are thrilled to be bringing a host of brand new events to the railway in 2015, alongside our annual schedule.

"The year is gearing up to be very special and exciting for us and we can't wait to celebrate this amazing achievement and legacy with all those who mean so much to the railway's success."

Teams will test their endurance travelling on pump trolleys along the original four-and-a-half mile stretch of line between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade on April 27.

Founding members will also board a dining train on July 6, to mark 50 years to the day when first initial meeting took take to form the SVR Society, with presentations following at Kidderminster Town Station.