RECORD passenger numbers have proved just the ticket for Severn Valley Railway bosses as the steam attraction forecasts a big loss.

The charity railway had more than 230,000 folk aboard in 2001 to hit a 31-year high and glean a record revenue of £3.53 million.

But price-hikes for coal and spiralling locomotive repair costs means railway chiefs have signalled a five-figure deficit.

It comes after the railway fought back from losing thousands of rail-goers' custom to the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Marketing chief John Leach said: "We've known for some months that we were in with a chance of a new all-time passenger record and to achieve it in the final week of the service was a wonderful way to end the year.

"But it's been a tough trading year and the higher costs we've faced were not something within our control. The silver cloud comes with a grey lining."

The 16-mile Kidderminster to Bridgnorth railway has been hit hard by an "epidemic" of boiler failures, coal cost rises of almost £15 a ton and a 100 per cent increase in insurance premiums.

However, it overcame earlier setbacks to carry more than 5,000 passengers in its final week of service - almost 1,000 people travelling in a single day on Friday, December 28.

Die-hard volunteers also made sure the line was fit for service over Christmas and the New Year by keeping fires going to stop vital engine pipes and boilers seizing up in the freezing conditions.

Mr Leach said: "It is these volunteers who make the railway the success it is. They show tremendous dedication."