THOSE planning on attending the annual Christmas lights switch-on in Bewdley can travel there on a special Severn Valley Railway train service.

This year’s festive extravaganza, which features an outdoor Christmas market with festive food and drink, takes place on Saturday, December 2.

Departing Kidderminster at 4.30pm and returning from Bewdley at 7.30pm, it allows plenty of time for visitors to soak up the town’s festive atmosphere and join the Mayor and Father Christmas for the countdown to the illuminations at 5.30pm.

Lewis Maddox, the SVR’s visitor engagement manager, said: “We’re delighted to support our local community by putting on this service.”

“It helps considerably by reducing the strain on Bewdley’s parking facilities, and a heritage train trip will definitely add to the experience of the evening visit.”

Tickets for the train service can be bought on the day only at Kidderminster Town station booking office at £5 for a return and £2.50 for a single.