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A heritage railway has marked its 50th anniversary as a tourist attraction with a celebration this weekend.

A special gala is being held at Cranmore Railway Station on Saturday and Sunday by East Somerset Railway.

The late wildlife artist David Shepherd started the railway in 1974 by giving people rides on his own steam engines.

The event includes a locomotive, Lady of Legend, which was recreated from parts in 2019, as the headliner.

Britain's newest steam engine - Betton Grange - was set to feature as the star locomotive but works were not completed on time.

It was expected to make its maiden voyage on the railway after a 21-year rebuilt project that cost more than £1m.

The railway's signalling and telegraph team worked on upgrading the line for the event so trains could use both sets of tracks and platforms for the first time simultaneously.

A heritage centre dedicated to the railway's founder Mr Shepherd was also built on the second platform.

Simon Bending, the railway's business manager, told the ����ý: "It is a very special event. Huge progress made over the last 50 years.

"It is great that we have so many visitors today, so many active volunteers to help us.

"It is just fabulous to see all the happy faces to see the steam trains."

Phil, one of the train's drivers, said: "It is a celebration of what we do as a heritage railway.

"It is for everyone that likes the place, that likes engines, to come together and have a big festival.

"It is a celebration of our history as a preserve railway."

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