THE Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust appears to have reached the end of the line at its current base in Washford.

The trust runs a museum, shop and carriage and wagon restoration works from a leased base at Washford Station.

The site is rented from the West Somerset Railway and railway bosses have decided not to renew the trust's lease when it expires in May 2020.

Godfrey Baker, trust chairman, said the organisation would continue to operate from the station while taking stock of its future options.

He said: "There is no doubt that this development presents a number of challenges to the trust.

"However, the next eight years are a time for a fresh look at the future of the trust and the opportunities it will bring."

He said the continued success of the railway meant it needed more space as it was fast outgrowing its present infrastructure.

Mr Baker added: "The trust's management committee will be considering all the options open to it very carefully and has begun the task of reviewing the implications of this development and formulating a strategy to deal with it, including consulting with the trust's membership.

"In the meantime, the trust will be maintaining all present operations at Washford, including the museum, retail shop, carriage and wagon restoration."