A ROYAL railway enthusiast will open the Severn Valley Railway's new multi-million pound carriage shed at Kiderminster next week.

Thursday will see the second visit of patron The Duke of Gloucester to the 16-mile Kidderminster-Bridgnorth steam line in three years when he officially unveils the £3 million building completed earlier this year.

Measuring a fifth-of-a-mile in length, the long-awaited single-storey carriage shed provides shelter for up to 60 historic railway coaches.

It was built with the aid of a £1.75 million award from the Heritage Lottery Fund and more than £1 million raised by SVR itself.

Spokesman David Wilcock said the investment would protect carriages - some of which date from the early 20th century - and save money.

He said: "It will prolong the lifespan of coaches and mean we will not have to paint them as often."

And he also paid tribute to everyone involved in raising money for the project.

"The lottery award was important, but we are particularly proud that we've been able to raise £1 million," he said.

"Our supporters and shareholders have been there for us and we never cease to be grateful."