Former employees and volunteers of the South Devon Railway are invited to a grand reunion event next April, and registration to attend is now open.

In 2019 the railway celebrates its 50th anniversary of re-opening in 1969. It’s inviting anyone who worked as a volunteer or employee of any of the South Devon Railway companies or associated groups and the line’s former owners - the Dart Valley Railway, British Railways, or the GWR – to an event on April 13 at Buckfastleigh Station.

Dick Wood, of the railway, said: ‘It’s a grand reunion for everyone who has ever worked on the former Ashburton Branch from Totnes at any point in its history.

‘If you worked on, or in connection with, this branch line at any time, then you are invited to the SDR’s reunion event.’

The reunion is being held during the railway’s ’Golden Anniversary Steam Gala’, which promises to see a host of steam locomotives, including some visiting ’old friends’ from the 50-year history of the line.

Dick added: ‘People from the past can catch up with former friends and colleagues and see how the branch has developed and progressed in preservation.

‘There’ll be displays and artifacts relating to the Ashburton Branch and its history, and those attending can also take a special ’reunion train trip’ to Totnes and back to re-acquaint themselves with the line.’

A hog roast and bar will be held at Buckfastleigh, followed by some light entertainment. The event opens at 1pm, with the reunion train running at 4pm and the hog roast starting at 6pm. The bar will be open all day.

Up to three members of the attendee’s family or guests are also welcome to accompany them. There’s no fee to attend but donations can be made at the hog roast.

Attendees can ride the reunion train for free, as a thank you for all their help in the operation of the branch over the years.

It’s vital attendees pre-register their interest to enable the railway to plan for the event.

To register for the event email [email protected], call 01364 644 370 or message the railway on its Facebook page.

Prospective attendees need to include their own telephone number, email address and how many people they plan to take along on the day.