Steam trains will be returning to Bristol's heritage railway next month - as lockdown restrictions ease.
Avon Valley Railway has announced that its trains will be back on the tracks from May 1.
Volunteers have been at the heritage railway in Bitton have been busy preparing the station and carriages over the past few weeks ready to welcome passengers back.
Four trains will depart each day at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm.
Advance booking is recommended to guarantee seats and can be purchased in advance from the railway’s website www.avonvalleyrailway.org.
Services will be hauled by diesel locomotives on Saturdays and steam on Sundays and mid-week.
The latest timetable can also be found on the website.
To keep its customers safe, the railway will be seating each family group in separate compartments or tables away from other family groups.
Volunteers will also be undertaking more regular cleaning of train doors, handles, windows and seats before you board and there will be hand sanitiser available too.
Mark Simmons, the railway’s Commercial and Business Manager said: "We’re really glad to be able to re-start our train services.
"The last twelve months have been incredibly challenging for us as a charity as our income has been very significantly reduced.
"Our station café has been open offering a limited take-away menu and we hope to build on this over the coming months.
"But re-starting our train services is a real milestone and we hope to welcome regular and new passengers to the station this year.
"Most importantly though, despite the need for the various safety measures, we just want people to have an enjoyable visit and share in a true heritage experience.’
Tickets cost £8.50 for adults, £7.50 for concessions and £5.50 for children and are on sale now.
Visit www.avonvalleyrailway.org to reserve seats or find out more information.
