A RAILWAY in Bala will hold a recruitment day for volunteers to help it move "from strength to strength”.

Bala Lake Railway is calling for volunteers to help maintain the Llyn Tegid lakeside station, which has recently enjoyed a “healthy increase” in passengers.

The railway is undergoing a track extension into Bala town centre to be completed by 2020, which is expected to boost tourism up to 60,000 visitors a year.

Volunteers at the railway can take on a series of important roles, such as engine crew, signalmen, general maintenance, engineering and track work.

David Jones, Bala Lake Railway general manager, said: “If you have travelled on the railway, you may not have realised the guard who sold your tickets and the crew of the locomotive pulling your train are probably giving up their time voluntarily, doing something they love. Meanwhile, the track the train runs on and the stations are all kept by the small, friendly band of maintenance volunteers.

“The railway is going from strength to strength with a healthy increase in passengers and exciting plans to extend the railway into the town of Bala over the next few years.

"Evenings can also be an important a part of your volunteering experience as the days if you so wish, eating at the Eagles Inn in Llanuwchllyn or cooking something back at the station and enjoying the social aspect. We even have comfortable volunteer accommodation for anyone who wouldn’t travel in on a daily basis.

"If this is something you can see yourself doing, calling yourself an engine driver or signalman, or perhaps you’re looking for some railway or tourist orientated work experience to add to your CV, or simply have some spare time to fill, the railway would only be too pleased to hear from you."

Prior experience or skills are not essential and full training to suit availability can be provided.

The date for the Volunteer Recruitment Day is Sunday, April 28.

For more information or to book your place, visit the Bala Lake Railway website.

Alternatively, email enquiries@bala-lake-railway.co.uk or call 01678 540666.