PASSENGERS on the West Somerset Railway were treated to a cultural ticket to ride on Saturday when artists and performers took over the heritage line.

Six dedicated ArtTrains travelled between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead during the day, giving people the chance to hop on and off along the network.

There were stories, poetry and music on the trains, while workshops and demonstrations took place at stations along the route.

Travellers were able to watch, buy and enjoy all things artistic - as well as tucking in to some tempting cream teas.

The workshops and demonstrations were also open to people who just called in and visited the stations either on foot or by car.

The aim was to both promote the heritage line and the district's diverse range of creative skills, with artists from across West Somerset, the Quantocks, Brendon Hills and the 10 Parishes taking part.

At Williton station, the village's own local sculptor Tad Mandziej demonstrated his skills, there was a Punch and Judy show and parish councillor Angie Wood donned 1940s clothing and borrowed a vintage pram from Williton Bakelite Museum to add a touch of nostalgia.

Across in Minehead, artists displaying their wares included sculptor Rob Heard and his intricately carved bough houses and local artist John Paterson.

Photos: Steve Guscott