Local people can cast off the credit crunch blues at the award winning SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY (SDR) early next month with a special bargain 'half fare' weekend which marks the end of the SDR's 18th successful Summer season of running steam trains.

On Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd November passengers will be able to tuck into a cut-price steam feast which will see nine trains running each day over the pretty seven-mile line from Buckfastleigh to Totnes that will appeal to families and enthusiasts alike.

Countryside lovers can enjoy some secret, stunning scenery from the comfort of the train as it meanders its leisurely way down Devon's glorious valley of the River Dart, and walkers can take advantage of some beautiful walks from stations too.

Coming at the end of school half-term week, the South Devon Railway always likes to mark the end of each main season with a special event to say 'thank you' to the line's many regular visitors, local people and volunteers who all love the authentic recreation of the old Great Western Railway and BR Western Region steam era.

And with all the recent financial doom and gloom on the money markets, the timing of the regular event is ideal for cash-conscious families as fares will be at half-price. So, an adult and senior citizen's round trip will cost just £4.60; a child return (ages 5-14) will be only £2.80; and Under Fives go free.

Commenting on the "half-fare" weekend, South Devon Railway General Manager Richard Elliott said: "We run our half fare weekends at the start and end of every main running season, but the timing of this year's event is going to be an added bonus for many local people who are already feeling the bite of the credit crunch and are looking for a great value for money treat.

"There are some superb views of the River Dart at this time of year, and there really is no better way to see them than from one of our relaxing steam trains. Visitors can also explore Totnes or visit the nearby Rare Breeds Centre right next to our station, or drop into the Butterfly Farm & Otter Sanctuary at Buckfastleigh during a half-day or full day's outing.

"We've just passed yet another milestone with the purchase of former GWR pannier loco No. 6412 which now expands our fleet to eight ex- GWR engines. We're also hoping to get close to our record breaking season last year when we carried 100,000 passengers for the first time and also won the prestigious 'Heritage Railway of the Year' award.

"We always like to give something else back to our many friends and supporters every year, and they tell us that our half-fare weekends at the beginning and end of the season are just the ticket."

The first train will leave from Buckfastleigh at 10.00am and from Totnes (Littlehempston) at 10.45am. Trains will leave both stations at about 45 minute intervals on both days.

Visitors will be able to see the progress being made on various projects up and down the line: At Totnes a new signalbox is under construction, which will control train movements around the station. At Buckfastleigh, the locomotive works is being expanded to accommodate special equipment which fits new locomotive tyres onto wheels, and the restoration is underway of South Devon Railway favourite locos Nos. 1420 and 3205.

Volunteers are always being sought to help with the running of the railway so, if anyone is interested, then they can just turn up and talk to some of the volunteers already helping run the SDR who can happily explain all.

With ample car parking at Buckfastleigh on the A38 Devon Expressway, the South Devon Railway is just 25 minutes from Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay.

The South Devon Railway also features:
• An extensive museum, including Brunel's only surviving 'broad gauge' engine,
• Expressway model and gift shop,
• Riverside walks, a maze and children's play area,
• Newly refurbished station 'Refreshment Rooms',
• Picnic area and wooded parkland.

And the South Devon Railway will also be getting ready to run its ever popular Santa by Steam trains which operate most weekends in December and during the last week before Christmas.

The Expressway model railway shop is already stocking up with Christmas presents for children of all ages and is open for business on most days.