SINCE becoming the first full-time marketing manager at the Severn Valley Railway in Bewdley, John Leach is simply 'chuffed' to bits with the progress being made.

He is helping with a host of special events to help mark the railway's 30th anniversary of the start of public services including a heavy horse weekend in June when shire horses will be in action along the line.

The 45-year-old, who is the first paid member of staff in the position, said combining his love of the railways with his advertising skills is a challenge which he relishes.

Born and bred in Watford, he first discovered his affection for trains as a nine-year-old schoolboy when his father allowed him to travel into London to go trainspotting.

He said: "As a parent nowadays, I wouldn't dream of letting my children travel alone at that age, but back in the 1960s it wasn't a problem.

"It was marvellous seeing those steam trains in all their glory and from then I was hooked on the railways.

"My father also had an interest in railways, although mine has always been greater."

Mr Leach, who lives in Clows Top, has a vast and experienced marketing and advertising expertise.

Before his time at the SVR he spent eight years working for Flying Scotsman Services as a train manager for the company which ran steam hauled services for British Rail.

He had also worked for eight years for an advertising agency.

Mr Leach, whose main interest outside work is spending time with wife Suzanne and daughters Denise and Anna, said each day presented him with something different.

He said: "I am able to get around a tremendous amount in publicising the SVR whether it's attending exhibitions in Birmingham, handing out leaflets or trying to get groups and parties to enjoy a day on the railway.

"The SVR is a member of various tourist organisations that I have a close relationship with in promoting all we do here, whether it's activities in Worcestershire or Shropshire."

He added: "I work with a tremendous set of volunteers who always do their bit behind the scenes.

"It's fantastic they are so willing to give up their personal time to help out and that is the main beauty of working for the SVR.

"Everybody has the shared interest of making sure we keep moving forward and maintain our work. It sees a great many people, especially in Wyre Forest, continuing their affection with trains."