CAST-IRON replicas of station signs which appeared when the Great Western Railway first opened between Taunton and Minehead - 148 years ago - will soon be gracing stations along the line, thanks to a West Somerset Railway Association project.

The first replica GWR signs have been cast by the Northfield Foundry, Brixham, for Dunster and a further three will be made for Watchet. They are eight feet long and 18 inches deep and are styled on original signs at Williton, Washford and Dunster.

Once all the signs have been cast, they will be sent to WSR’s Minehead workshops for preparation to mount them on recycled posts and painted by workshop volunteers.

An association spokesman said: “The new heritage signs are expected to speed up station work as passengers will be more informed as to where they are, and de-train promptly at their intended destination.”

The station signs project has been managed by the WSRA. Further funding is being sought for additional signs plus the preparation and installation costs.