THERE can be few prep schools in the country which can boast an attraction like a miniature steam railway, but The Downs in Colwall is one of them.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Downs Light Railway and a book, Don't Stand Up In The Tunnel!, has just been published in recognition.

The author is James I C Boyd and no-one can doubt his unique qualifications to write the railway's history.

He was introduced to it as a ten-year-old pupil at the school during the 1930s - and at the same time was taught English by the renowned poet W H Auden.

In 1970 he returned to the school with the dual role of school manager and master in charge of the railway.

Now aged 81, he has relinquished the school manager title, but still comes in to the school twice a week to supervise the pupils on the railway.

His book charts the history of the railway, starting with its foundation by Geoffrey Hoyland, who was headmaster from 1920 until 1940.

The book recounts in detail and with many lighthearted anecdotes, the various stages of construction and alteration the railway underwent.

Details of the various steam engines that have run along the rails are also given, with blueprints being reproduced for some of them.

The book is illustrated with numerous photographs, which will be of great interest to railway buffs and to former pupils of the Downs alike.

The school's head, Alastair Ramsay, said: "The railway is a huge asset to the school and to a large extent it is no exaggeration to say that it would not be there if James had not thrown his life and soul into it for so many years. This book is a wonderful tribute to a whole life's work."

n The book, priced at £17.50, is published by specialist company RailRomances and is available from booksellers, or directly from the publishers at PO Box 85, Chester CH4 9ZH. Its ISBN is 1-900622-04-1.