SOUTH Devon Railway is hosting its popular ‘rails and ales’ event this bank holiday ­weekend.

From today until Monday the ­railway will be running to a special frequent timetable between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.

At Buckfastleigh the railway’s London Transport Routemaster bus will be running trips to Buckfast Abbey and along to ­Ashburton, the original terminus of the line.

And the garden railway attractions, ­including the museum, gardens, cafe and gift shop, will also be open.

At Staverton, the midway point on the seven-mile line, the beer and cider festival will be in full swing from 11am until late, offering a selection of more than 60 different ales, craft beers and ciders. There’s also wine, Pimms and Prosecco available.

Dick Wood, of the railway, said: ‘We’re not only putting on a great show of steam and diesel trains, but also hosting a veritable feast of drink with our now famous real beer and cider festival too.

Also at Staverton, there’ll be a barbecue tonight and tomorrow evening; a buffet car serving a variety of hot and cold foods and soft drinks during the day; and a ‘just for fun’ quiz and chilli on Sunday evening.