RAILWAY enthusiasts are being given the chance to go behind the scenes at Severn Valley Railway (SVR).

It will be opening its doors for its fourth annual Peep Behind the Scenes event on Saturday (July 19). During the day, visitors can see up close some of the railway’s workings and experience what goes into running a heritage railway by the team of staff and volunteers.

Featuring in this year’s event will be the volunteers who are responsible for looking after the track and controlling line-side vegetation. They will carry out hands-on exercises at Bewdley, demonstrating the work they do.

Bewdley will also be home to tours of the paint shop, wagon works and coach renovations, as well as offering visitors the chance to take a short shuttle train on the remaining part of the Tenbury and Stourport branch line.

Elsewhere along the line, visitors can see how a signal box works, go on board a GWR first class sleeper carriage and get a driver’s eye view from the cab of a diesel locomotive.

There will also be a number of events at Kidderminster, including a look at the restoration works at the carriage works and carriage shed and turntable.

The event, organised by the 4150 Locomotive Group, will be raising money for the ongoing Locomotive No 4150 restoration project at Bewdley.

Clare Gibbard, SVR’s marketing and communications manager, said: “Peep Behind the Scenes is always an incredibly popular event for us, giving visitors a fascinating insight into the usually unseen work that keeps the railway running as successfully as it does.

“There’ll be lots to see, do and learn about for people of all ages across the length of the line and plenty of our staff and volunteers will be on hand to tell you all about what you are seeing.”

A wristband for the event costs £5 for adults and is free for under-16s. They can be purchased on the day from Kidderminster or Bewdley stations.

For more information call 01562 757900 or visit svr.co.uk