The four weekends of 2009 have seen a very encouraging start to the GWR's year.

To the end of March, which saw the alternate steam/diesel Green timetable in operation, 3,758 tickets were sold, including 416 'free' tickets issued to those aged 25 or under as part of the 25th year of operation celebrations.

This compares with 5,531 over the same period as last year, but as Colin Dymock, head station master explains, this isn't a good comparison. "Last year Easter was as early as it possibly can be, in March with a total of 15 operating days, compared with just eight this year.  So comparing our 'core' business - the green timetable - and excluding Easter, there were just 1,848 tickets in 2008.  That's a 44 per cent increase for 2009."

Party bookings were also up this year. March 2009 saw 319 tickets issued to organised groups, compared with 250 over the same period last year. Colin adds: "This is a good foundation for 2009, especially as more families say they plan to enjoy what the UK has to offer this year, rather than take holidays overseas, as was reported in an earlier Latest News story.  And, of course, the lovely spring weather this year has certainly helped!"

Cheltenham Racecourse station accounted for 25 per cent of ticket sales.