WEST Somerset Railway has made major improvements to its track and infrastructure over the past few months despite problems with funding, a progress report has revealed.

As previously reported in the Free Press, a new appeal has been launched towards extensive modernisation of the track.

But thanks to help and funds from station groups and support organisations, a major winter work programme was brought to a successful conclusion.

The railway was closed for three months, from January to March, while essential work was carried out.

“The infrastructure winter works were more of a challenge this year due to a funding gap,” said a spokesman.

“But thanks to the goodwill of many station groups and our support organisations, funds started coming through in January to allow us to order materials and services and get underway."

To see more photos and read the full report on how the railway got back on track, buy this week’s Free Press (June 21).