THE West Somerset Railway marked a new chapter in its history last weekend when it restored a vital link at its Williton station.

The replacement of a footbridge over the heritage line was a long held dream of former stationmaster Chris van den Arend, who died last year.

And the unveiling of the new structure last weekend - in the 35th anniversary year of the reopening of the Bishops Lydeard to Minehead route - was a fitting tribute to his memory.

Williton had a footbridge for most of its history but it was removed during the run-down of the Minehead branch line during the 1960s.

However Mr van den Arend and his staff were determined to see it replaced.

After years of fundraising, planning and obtaining the necessary permits, a bridge made redundant by British Railways at Trowbridge station, and rescued by Gerald Creed, has now been winched into place.

The fundraising will continue because even after its official opening, the next target will be to re-roof it.

WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said the reopening marked a major landmark for another of the company's volunteer teams.

"All our ten stations have volunteer support groups who work very hard to raise funds and to maintain and improve the 'gateways' to the WSR.

"The footbridge is one of the most immediately obvious for our passengers and visitors to see and use.

"It will also be a memorial for Chris van den Arend who worked in many roles for the railway over more than three decades, as well as a fitting thank you to Mr Creed for his generosity and help."

Mr Conibeare said Williton had a number of other points of historic interest, with train movements still controlled by a Bristol and Exeter signal box - the last one to be carrying out its original function anywhere - dating back to the days of Brunel's broad gauge tracks.

Another part of the 1960s run-down which the WSR intends to reverse in the near future is the shortened length of one of the tracks through the station.

Apart from creating he odd sight of Bishops Lydeard bound trains swinging away before the end of the platform, it also creates challenges for the railway's operators when longer trains, such as excursions from the national railway network, have to pass at Williton.

Photo: Steve Guscott