The South Devon Railway is offering local groups stand space at its forthcoming 40th anniversary gala event from 5th - 13th April. The event is expected to be one of the busiest the railway has ever held and features up to eight engines in steam, intensive services and lots more to interest the visitor, whether they be hardened enthusiasts or families looking for a superb day out.

The railway is offering limited space for local railway and heritage groups, arts and crafts, local produce and local charities. Space is available on a first come, first served basis on each one of the nine days of the event within a floored marquee. The Easter weekend is expected to attract the biggest crowds.

Dick Wood, who takes on the role of General Manager on 1st April, said: "We hope local groups would like to come along and support us and help add to the interest for our visitors. This will be the biggest event since the line reopened in 1969 and we're really looking forward to large crowds descending on the railway".

The South Devon Railway is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the line's reopening, which took place back in 1969, when the infamous Dr Beeching cut the ribbon to start steam services running again between Buckfastleigh and a field just outside Totnes.

The South Devon Railway is marking the date with a week of intensive services, from 5th - 13th April. The focal point will be the visit by four Great Western Railway locomotives to augment the railway's own fleet of GWR steam engines.

The celebrations reach their climax on Easter Sunday and Monday, 12th and 13th April, when no fewer than eight former GWR steam engines should be in steam.

Stand spaces are offered at reasonable rates and can be booked by contacting the South Devon Railway on 0843 357 1420 or info@southdevonrailway.org

People wishing to attend the event can also save money with advance booking of Day Rover tickets. By booking early, visitors can save money on Day Rover tickets and travel all day during the 40th anniversary celebrations!

For trains from Sunday 5th to Thursday 9th April, advance Day Rover tickets can be booked at the following prices: Adult Day Rover Tickets £13.00 (£15.00 on the day) and Child Day Rover Tickets £7.00 (£8.00 on the day)

For trains from Friday 10th to Monday 13th April, Day Rover tickets are: Adult Day Rover Tickets £15.00 (£17.00 on the day) and Child Day Rover Tickets £8.00 (£10.00 on the day).

To take advantage of this offer which has been extended to Wednesday 1 April for postal applications, people should phone 0843 357 1420 to pay by credit or debit card, or download the booking form at: www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/news/rover-tickets

Advance Day Rover tickets can also be bought in person until Friday 3rd April at Buckfastleigh station booking office.