THE standard gauge heritage railway in the Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty resumes train services from this Saturday.

The steam train will operate from Llangollen to Dwyrain Corwen East with three service trains a day from February 10-11.

The locomotive will be the Great Western Pannier tank 6430, which will be operating steam services at weekends through to Easter.

Trains will depart Llangollen at 10.40am, 1pm and 3.10pm, or, for complete return trips, from Corwen at 11.20am and 1.40pm.

From Monday, February 12, half term week, off-peak service will feature a heritage diesel railcar offering the best views of the line in winter time, with the opportunity to see the way ahead when sitting behind the driver or the ‘where-you- have-been’ view in the rear coach.

After plenty of trackside vegetation clearance work by volunteers during the closed season, the train will offer improved views of the countryside along the 10-mile route through the Dee Valley.

The railcar service will continue on weekdays through to March 23 and it is popular with groups of walkers keen to access the countryside at one or more of the intermediate stations at Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy or Carrog.

Llangollen Railway’s commercial manager Liz McGuinness said: “We have an exciting season ahead of us at Llangollen Railway with some great new events planned, along with our regular events.

“A couple of great family events are visits by Paddington Bear and Peppa Pig to Llangollen Railway and a new cocktail event for the adults.”

Events leading up to the end of April include a Valentine’s Special (February 11) and the week beginning February 12 sees a half term special, when children ride for £1 with a fare paying adult. March 11 is the Mother’s Day special, March 24 and 25 see Peppa Pig visit Llangollen, March 31 is the date for the Real Ale Train. April 6-8 will see Thomas the Tank Engine visit Llangollen and April 13-15 is the Spring Steam gala.

Once again a trip on the Llangollen-Corwen train will provide the sedate way to see the

lovely countryside in south Denbighshire and experience rail travel as it used to be. Full details can be found by visiting www.llangollen-railway.co.uk