Telford Steam Railway welcomes train enthusiasts for final time before Easter, with TV appearance due next year

The heritage railway site at Horsehay hosted its Gronk Winter Running Day on Sunday (December 29), featuring a Class 08 diesel locomotive that pulls the well-known and popular Polar Express ride and attraction, alongside two other home fleet engines including a Ruston & Hornsby diesel mechanical Class 88DS No 382824 named "Hector".

The Class 08, nicknamed 'Gronk', proved a popular attraction for train enthusiasts and meant the heritage site ended the year in style.

"It was well-attended and we had more than 100 come along," said Richard Owen, the railway's commercial director.

"We had a very successful Polar Express season so it was nice to do this final, a bit more low-key, enthusiast event.

"Everyone who came thoroughly enjoyed it, we had people from Swindon, Banbury, Warwick, quite far away for the event. It went really well."

The site will now close until Easter next year while staff maintain their engines and facilities, and improve tracks.

Richard added: "We will be maintaining locomotives, and the running track. We hope to lay a bit more track on the extension to Doseley.

"But it really is about getting everything ready, the coaches being maintained and restored."

The volunteer-run heritage site is looking forward to welcoming visitors and residents again, as well as seeing the popular attraction on TV after cameras paid a visit this year.

Richard reflected on this year at the attraction, which was targeted by vandals in June, saying: "It’s been a year of ups and downs.

"There have been highs - Michael Portillo came to film an episode of Great British Railway Journeys which I think will be transmitted in April next year.

"We have had lots of successful events working with the Exotic Zoo. Our 1940s event was really good, and we have had sell-out fish and chips specials, so there have been lots of highs.

"But, we have had vandalism of some of our engines and of the Lightmoor Signal box, so there have been some lows as well."

Next year will be a year of celebration for the heritage railway as its flagship locomotive, 56-19, turns 100 years old.

Volunteers are looking forward to celebrating the landmark with visitors and Shropshire residents. 

"We will be doing lots to celebrate that," added Richard. "Hopefully our steam tram will be back in operation as well and we will have our new museum opening. 

"There are lots of events and exciting things to look forward to."

Learn more at https://www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk/.