Peppa Pig thrills youngsters with Severn Valley Railway visit
Thousands of children found fun on the Severn Valley Railway as part of an event featuring television's Peppa Pig.
About 4,000 people jumped aboard one of the five trains steaming up and down the railway line for the popular two-day event.
Starting at either Kidderminster or Bridgnorth, the families stopped off at each one of the line's main stations to enjoy a range of sights and activities. For the majority of children, the main attraction was at Highley station, where Peppa Pig and her brother George, from Channel 5's Milkshake service for youngsters, danced and met hundreds of visitors.
The television characters walked around a fenced-off area at the station to meet and greet dozens of children. Inside the station's engine house, a magic show was also performed over the two days to keep families entertained. There was also the standing collection of eight full size steam locomotives for people to look at. The two-day event was organised by Severn Valley Railway.
Clare Gibbard, marketing manager, said: "This is about opening people's eyes up to the railway line here. Many people see it and know about it, but have never been on the trains and explored the journey, each one of the stops and its important history.
"By holding events like this, we hope it will get interest in the line from families who may want to come down again in the future."
She added: "Having Peppa Pig is obviously a big attraction and I'm delighted so many families have come along. People seem to be having a lot of fun."
Richard Corrigan, aged 33, took his grand-daughter Hermione Corrigan, three, along to the event.
The family live in Kidderminster. He said: "We just came to see Peppa Pig really, but we're making the most of the event and will be going to Bewdley next to get some fish and chips – it's a great idea."
Tristan, 26, and Katie Smith, 27, attended the event with their children Layla, two, and Ruby, one. The family are from Cosford. Mr Smith, who is in the RAF, said: "It's great to bring the family out together."
As well as a chance to meet Peppa Pig at Highley, families could also stop at Arley where there were children's art and craft workshops. In Bridgnorth there was face painting and balloon modelling.
