THE 50th anniversary of the earliest train movements on the West Somerset Railway (WSR) has been celebrated by the country’s longest heritage line.

It was shortly before Christmas 1975 when steam locomotive Bagnall no.2996 ‘Victor’ worked a series of test runs and directors’ specials.

The engine pulled WSR fruit van GWR Fruit C no.2823 and a borrowed BR 20T brake van.

The fruit van is still operating on the railway 50 years later.

Now, the WSR is preparing for a spectacular 50th birthday year in 2026 with an official anniversary weekend taking place on Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29.

This was the weekend in 1976 when the first trains carried passengers on the WSR between Minehead and Blue Anchor after the company leased the line from the then-Somerset County Council.

The WSR’s gala planning team is organising a series of events for the 2026 golden anniversary season.

A spokesperson said: “We are working on re-creating as many of the early special workings as possible.

“Our 50th anniversary weekend will mark 50 years to the day of the first passenger workings on the WSR.

“This weekend will celebrate the achievements of the 1970s, including the staged reopening of the line.

“The big ‘Spring Steam Spectacular’ of Friday to Monday, May 1 to 4, will celebrate 50 years of steam locomotion on the preserved WSR, with a varied line up in the planning stage.

“A once in a lifetime event showcasing steam locomotives and classes tied to our extensive history, past, present, and future.

“A gala you will not want to miss.”

The spokesperson said 50 years of diesels on the WSR would also be showcased in style with a summer diesel festival running from June 4 to 7.

The festival will feature visiting traction operating high mileage diagrams alongside the WSR’s Sunday mixed traction day.