A RECRUITMENT day for volunteer guards and signalmen on the West Somerset Railway will be held at Bishops Lydeard Station on Sunday, November 15.

The railway is facing a possible shortage of volunteers in the near future and needs to take action to attract more people now to ensure that the line continues to prosper.

The recruitment day, starting at 10, offers hands-on experience for those who have been tempted to offer their services in particular roles but are unsure as to whether they are the right ones for them.

Following an initial chat and basic safety briefing, potential guards will have the chance to try some of the skills beyond just waving a green flag, such as rolling stock inspection, shunting, liaising with drivers and hand signalling.

Potential signalmen will be shown the interior of the signal box and be given the chance to try working the token machines and some points and signals. They will also be introduced to the outside duties including hand signalling and point machines.

For information about the event, and so that the organisers know how many people to expect, prospective guards should contact Pete Vile at [email protected] and signalmen email Chris Pratt [email protected].