Pulling together to repair SVR

"Together – we can do it!" That's the message from The Severn Valley Railway as it aims to raise £500,000 to repair the world famous attraction following the devastating floods.

Bosses at the popular heritage railway are preparing to send leaflets to their 13,000 members around the world in a bid to raise awareness of its biggest fundraising campaign in its 35-year history.

More than £5,000 has already been donated by the public and one member has pledged £5,000 of his own money.

The company has insurance but bosses fear it will not cover all its losses as it applies to rolling stock but only some parts of the track.

The line between Bewdley and Bridgnorth was breached in 45 places when flash floods sparked landslides and subsidence.

Within just two days of last Tuesday's flooding, the first equipment was on site helping repair the damage. Up to 40 volunteers are working along the line to try and clear the debris and rescue track buried under tonnes of mud and water.

Offers of help have been pouring in from a dozen other railways including Mid Hants Railway, Gloucester and Warwick, West Somerset, Dean Forest, Great Central at Loughbrough, and Bluebell Railway in Grinstead.

Marketing manager John Leach said: "We have been inundated with offers of help but the main help we need is financial – donations from the public. The flood appeal will hopefully get everyone on board and we're confident that together we can do it."

Cheques should be made payable to: Severn Valley Railway Flood Damage Appeal and sent to The Office, The Railway Station, Bewdley DY12 1BG.