AMBITIOUS £2.5 million expansion plans at the South Devon Railway could further boost the district's economy by drawing in yet more visitors.

The scenic seven-mile service between Buckfastleigh and Totnes already carries more than 100,000 people each year and with its cafe and engineering workshop turns over £2 million.

Experts say that could actually mean upwards of £6 milion being spent locally and now the trust, which acquired the line's freehold from Paignton-based Dart Valley Railway in 2010 for a nominal £1, is preparing for bigger and better things.