THE West Somerset Railway Association has launched a drive to attract new members.

Formed in the early 1970s, the WSRA has worked alongside the company that runs the railway for over 40 years. It is based at Bishops Lydeard station and became a registered charity in 1994.

WSRA manager Susan Kaufman, pictured with trustee Nigel Bruce-Robertson, said the association had been instrumental in the survival of the West Somerset Railway since its inception in 1971.

"We are committed to developing the heritage aspects of the railway that so enhance the experience of visitors and passengers," she added.

"To help us further our work, we are raising our profile and hope to encourage many who are not familiar with the efforts of the charity to support us.

"You don't have to be a dedicated railway enthusiast to support the association - not everyone wants to take steam locomotives apart and put them back together again, though we always welcome those who do!

"We hope that those who care about the general well-being of the WSR, and who appreciate its important place in the area and the local community, will take an increased interest in our work and will want to lend their support to our efforts."

The WSRA is committed to furthering the training and education of young people and now has three full-time apprentices at its Williton engineering works.

"We hope to be able to expand and increase our educational activities in the future and the more members we have supporting us, the easier it will be for us to achieve this and other goals," said Susan.

"In addition, new members will be supporting exciting activities including the operation of a first class dining train, owning two former Great Western Railway designed steam locomotives and receive an award-winning quarterly magazine into the bargain.

"We have a lot to offer to those who get involved."

Anyone interested in supporting the WSRA and its work may phone 01823 433856, email [email protected]">[email protected] or join on line at http://www.wsra.org.uk">www.wsra.org.uk.