An exciting year of train services, operating over a longer season, and the return of crowd-pleasing galas and special events, are being promised by West Somerset Railway.

The heritage line will celebrate the re-opening of Washford station, and the fact that trains can again run from Bishops Lydeard into Minehead thanks to the rebuilding of the busy Seaward Way level crossing.

A long length of track between Dunster and Minehead has been relaid and updated, and company chairman Jon Jones-Pratt said the season was set to be a busy one.

"The railway is ready to begin operating from March 19 with celebrations marking our trains running to Minehead again," he said. "I want to thank our whole team who have worked tirelessly over the winter to achieve a wonderfully-prepared railway for everyone to enjoy."

Three return trips a day will run in March, April and October while four trains are timetabled in May, June and part of July, increasing to five each way at the height of summer.

Discussions have been held on the possibility of regular scheduled services between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard, and the return of a weekend shuttle service between the two.

The line is planning to take part in celebrations of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, while family fun days will be held on Wednesdays and Sundays during the school holidays to give young visitors a chance to meet WSR’s mascot Brunel the beagle and enjoy activities, vintage bus rides and behind-the-scenes workshop tours.