SEVERN Valley Railway (SVR) Holdings Board has announced the addition of Andy Barr to the board.

Mr Barr was co-opted on to the board with unanimous support of the holdings’ directors during a board meeting on Tuesday.

He has been working with SVR in a voluntary capacity since September, 2013 but has worked in the rail industry for more than 47 years and has experience of working with voluntary organisations and heritage railways.

In his voluntary role with SVR, Mr Barr has been assisting general manager Nick Ralls and operations manager Phil Brown in reviewing current operations, practice and procedures and to upgrade the railway’s operational safety systems.

He is currently head of heritage operations for London Underground and was responsible for the safe operation of Met 1 and the LU heritage fleet on the London Underground during the 150th anniversary celebrations.

He was previously head of emergency management, control and event management for London Underground and was awarded an MBE for services to the rail industry in 2004.

Nick Paul, chairman of SVR Holdings PLC, said: “Andy takes over from Nick Wright, a practising barrister who, because of work commitments, has stepped down from the holding board, creating a vacancy.

"The board wish to record their thanks for all that Nick has done and welcome his intention to continue working as a volunteer.

“The SVR Holdings Board is looking forward to welcoming Andy to the team and values the skills and expertise that he brings with him.”