THE new trial Great Western Railway diesel rail-car shuttle service linking the national rail network at Taunton with the West Somerset Railway at Bishops Lydeard will start on Saturday July 27 and continue into the autumn.

Further trains will run on Saturdays on August 3, 17 and 31, September 7, 21 and October 5, and will transport visitors to WSR’s Steam Rally at Norton Fitzwarren on August 3 and the Autumn Steam Gala on October 5.

Further dates for later in the year are still under consideration by GWR and the WSR.

A WSR spokesman said: “The primary purpose of the trial is to attract people from the national network to visit the WSR and enjoy the scenic line and attractions which will bring big benefits to local businesses in West Somerset.

“For local residents, the new service offers a stress-free and sustainable way of Saturday shopping in Taunton as well as a good connection with the national network.”

Great Western Railway already offers through tickets from its staffed stations to the West Somerset Railway, and these will be valid on the shuttle train or on the No 28 bus between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard as an alternative to the shuttle rail service.

Tickets can also be bought on the shuttle train from Taunton to any station on the West Somerset Railway.

The use of the trains will be monitored and analysed to see if there is a basis for running a regular service in future years.

For information on the GWR shuttle and WSR services, see the West Somerset Rail website or call 01643 704996.