IT WILL be full steam ahead for visitors to the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) heritage line over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The railway’s fleet of heritage steam locomotives will be taking passengers for exciting trips along the attraction’s scenic, 16-mile span from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, enabling them to explore any of the six beautifully-restored stations en-route.

On a smaller scale, visitors can enjoy a ride on the Coalyard Miniature Railway at Kidderminster Station, running - weather permitting - throughout the weekend. A small additional charge applies.

The line’s evening Scenic Special, operated by a diesel unit, will be running on Saturday August 29 enabling travellers to take a leisurely return journey to Bridgnorth.

The train departs at 7pm from Kidderminster and passengers can order a fish and chip supper if they are peckish. Bar facilities are also available on that service.

The return train leaves Bridgnorth at 9pm and arrives back at Kidderminster at 10pm.

Visitors heading to Hampton Loade on Sunday August 30th can see the Paddock Garden Railway in action – this 32mm gauge miniature railway has been delighting visitors for more than 25 years.

The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley offers all-weather fun, packed with interactive exhibits including the new 50th Anniversary Exhibition, taking people on a journey through the SVR’s first half-century. It also has eight steam locomotives, a magnificent royal carriage and a ‘How the SVR works’ exhibition and a cafe.

While there, budding rail enthusiasts can enjoy the Peter’s Railway Young Engineers Centre and explore the SVR’s reserve collection of full-size steam locomotives, Travelling Post Office, Royal Carriage and outdoor, railway-themed play area.

A family meal deal is running throughout the bank holiday at The Engine House and the Valley Suite at Kidderminster – ideal for fuelling appetites – see www.svr.co.uk for details.

Other events coming up in the SVR calendar include the Autumn Steam Gala on September 17,18,19 and 20. This is a must for all dedicated steam enthusiasts with a number of iconic locomotives set to appear. These include No. 70000 Britannia, BR Standard Class 7MT and t is also hoped No. 46100 Royal Scot, LMS Royal Scot Class will be on show following a five-year overhaul. Both of these engines are courtesy of Icons and Steam.

The Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust and No. 34027 Taw Valley, SR/BR West Country Class will be making its first gala appearance since major overhaul.

• The Severn Valley Railway welcomes more than 200,000 visitors per year, and is among the UK’s most popular and much-loved historical attractions.

• It is largely run by a dedicated band of more than 1,500 of volunteers