Plaque unveiled to celebrate Avon Valley Railway
The West of England Mayor says the service is a "Bitton gem"
The West of England Mayor, Dan Norris, has unveiled a special plaque to celebrate 50 years since Avon Valley Railway opened.
The plaque to celebrate the half century of Avon Valley Railway took place last night (4th April) at Bitton Station and marks the start of four days of special anniversary events.
Many locals attended the ceremony, including rail enthusiast and social media star Francis Bourgeois.
Bitton Station is an original Victorian Midland Railway station. It was closed in 1966 because of major service changes and route closures known as the Beeching Cuts, before being restored by volunteers in 1974.
Now, locals can take a trip back in time with steam and diesel train rides throughout the year.
Mayor Dan Norris says: “Avon Valley Railway is a Bitton gem that for the last 50 years has been loved by people of all ages in the West of England.”
Mark Simmons, the General Manager of the railway, adds: "It is testament to our volunteers back in 1974 that they had the vision to preserve Bristol & Bath’s railway heritage which we have built on since then to create such a wonderful and unique attraction."
You can find out more about the railway on its website via this link.