Perfect day for railway line

Bumper crowds welcomed back Bridgnorth's Severn Valley Railway today after it finally got back on track after last June's devastating floods.The railway was running its first full-line services for nine months and there were hundreds of people riding the lines between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster.

Check out our photo gallery below

Crowds started to form at Bridgnorth station two hours before departure and by midday it was inundated. Severn Valley Railway press officer David Wilcock described the reaction from locals and tourists as perfect.

He said: "We were looking for a good welcome back and it seems that's what we've got. We're delighted that so many people have turned out for our first day back."

The first train left Bridgnorth shortly after 11am, though people had been lining the platform much earlier.

There were cheers as the familiar puffs of smoke billowed from the Severn Valley Railway's engines and carriages chugged out of the station.

Mr Wilcock said the station had won a place in the hearts of Bridgnorth people and volunteers were delighted it was back on track.

He said: "I was in a supermarket in Bridgnorth yesterday wearing my Severn Valley Railway tie. People were coming up to me saying they were looking forward to it being reopened. People are well aware that the railway is open for business and they're delighted."

The new engine house at Highley was also officially opened this morning.

Mr Wilcock said the railway had suffered a long winter as it worked to repair sections of flood-hit track.

He said: "It was June 19 last year when the line was flooded and it's taken until now to get things back.

"We want to get back into the habit of running trains and we want everyone to know about it.

"We've run short shuttle services but this is the first day of full-line passenger operations."

A series of special events are planned in coming months to bring more visitors back to the Severn Valley Railway.

By Andy Richardson

nextpagePlatform Guard Stuart Dickinson waves the green flag

to the first train to leave Bridgnorth.

Passengers from the first train to arrive at Bridgnorth Station today.

Mayor of Bridgnorth Councillor Connie Baines climbs aboard the engine cab as Station Master Chris Thomas looks on.

Fireman Colin Gibson stokes up the engine.

Visitors John Richards, right and Spencer Couchman take a look at the engines from the viewing platform inside the new Engine House in Highley.

Admin assistant Nicky Vale and visitor centre manager David Mee

take a closer look at the 4930 Hagley Hall engine.

Members of the Highley Colliery Brass Band play in front of the Hagley Hall engine in the new Engine House museum building, at Highley station.

The interior of the new Engine House museum building, at Highley station.

TV personality Charlie Dimmkock broke a bottle of champagne on the

first train to travel on the SVR railway after its official reopening.

An example of the damage which closed the railway line.