VOLUNTEERS who support the West Somerset Railway (WSR) have launched a new ‘Buy a bag of Ballast’ campaign.

The West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) is asking people to cover the £13 cost of buying a single bag of ballast for the heritage line.

The WSRA buys ballast by the lorry load, which is is about 40 bags, or 20 tonnes, at a cost of about £520.

This year, it is aiming to purchase six lorry loads of ballast for use on the longest steam railway line in Britain.

A WSRA spokesperson said: “Each winter the WSR infrastructure team undertakes a programme of work on the track.

“This includes everything from a complete relay of a section of track to spot repairs.

Ballast which has been laid alongside the West Somerset Railway track.
Ballast which has been laid alongside the West Somerset Railway track. (WSRA)

“Repairs are also carried out throughout the year, as necessary.

“For all of this work they need ballast. Lots and lots of ballast.

“Last winter, we achieved our goal and the ballast has been purchased and used on the railway.

“If 40 people buy a bag of ballast we can buy a whole lorry load.

“If 240 people did that, we would have six lorry loads.

“Please help us to keep the trains running on the West Somerset Railway.”

Anybody who wants to support the ballast fund-raising initiative can find the appeal online here.