AGED 25 OR UNDER? THEN TRAVEL FREE ON THE GWR IN MARCH!

Help the GWR celebrate its first 25 years of operation!

It's 25 years since the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (GWR) ran its first train over a few hundred yards of track at Toddington.  And the railway, fondly remembered as The Honeybourne Line, is inviting anyone aged 25 or under, to help the railway celebrate its Silver Jubilee by taking a free ride on any of the railway's trains during March, if they are accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.

"There's absolutely no catch," says Colin Fewell, volunteer marketing manager at the Toddington-based line. "All you have to do is turn up at Toddington, Winchcombe or Cheltenham Racecourse stations and convince the booking office staff that you are no older than 25 (you can show your driving licence, for instance).  You don't need to book and provided you have someone with you who is buying a ticket - and that could be a youngster or senior citizen - the free ticket is yours!"

Of course, the GWR is a lot longer than it was back in 1984 - and it's still growing.  "The railway is now 10 miles long, running through stunning countryside between Toddington and Cheltenham Race Course," Colin says.  "And now we're well on our way relaying track northwards towards Broadway and when we reach there, we will be among the longest heritage railways in the UK."

The entirely volunteer-run railway operates former main-line steam and diesel locomotives with 1950s coaches, evoking nostalgic memories of train travel from a former age.

During March, an alternating steam and diesel train service is operating each weekend day on 7th and 8th; 14th and 15th; 21st and 22nd and 28th and 29th March. You can check train times by visiting the railway's website www.gwsr.com or telephoning 01242 621 405.  There's ample free car parking at Cheltenham Racecourse station (follow signs within the Racecourse) and at Toddington station, near the junction of the B4077 (Tewkesbury-Stow) and B4632 (Winchcombe-Broadway) roads.

The GWR has a range of events planned throughout 2009, including its special Silver Jubilee Cotswold Festival of Steam between 23rd and 26th May when visiting locomotives will hopefully include the red engine that stars in the Harry Potter films. Now that really will be a magical few days!

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Media contact: Ian Crowder, 07775 566 555 or ian.crowder@gwsr.com