SOMERSET and Dorset Railway Trust is appealing for funds to complete a victorian railway carriage to mark 50th anniversary of closure of the S&D.

The S&D Joint Railway coach number 4 appeared at the West Somerset Railway’ Autumn Steam Gala in a restored external condition.

Initially, this was confined to movements in the yard at Washford station, home to Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust, but more recently it has travelled the line to Norton Fitzwarren to appear at the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally in August and to Minehead where it featured in the WSR gala.

With the 50th anniversary of the closure of the S&D falling in 2016, the trust’s team of workers would like to see the coach able to carry passengers once more, ideally by the start of March when the WSR is holding two special weekends to mark the anniversary of closure.

However, £29,000 has to be raised, primarily to pay for the costs of upholstery in the compartments.

Coach number 4 was originally constructed at the Highbridge Works in 1886 and continued in railway service until withdrawal in 1930. It then spent the next 56 years as a sports pavilion at Templecombe before being rescued by the trust and taken to Washford.

Apart from financial help, the trust would welcome woodworkers, metal workers and painters to the workforce as it has three more vintage carriages to restore plus various vintage wagons to maintain.

Any potential volunteers can reach the Trust via their website www.sdrt.org or 01984 640869.

Cheques in support of the restoration of number 4 should be payable to Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust and sent to Number 4 Appeal, Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust, The Railway Station, Washford, Watchet, Somerset, TA23 0PP.