SEVERN Valley Railway welcomed aboard its five millionth passenger at the weekend.

Ten-year-old Andrew Hall was on a family trip on the 1.15 Kidderminster to Bridgnorth service on Saturday when he picked up the milestone ticket.

He will receive a special commemorative certificate, a family travel ticket, gift shop vouchers and Sunday lunch.

The presentation was made by Keith Beddoes, who organised the first meeting of people who wanted to keep the rail line running after it was closed in 1967.

The volunteers reopened the line on May 23 1970, from Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade and it was extended to Kidderminster in 1984.

"Five million passengers is an outstanding tribute to the many thousands of volunteers and staff who started the SVR revival 35 years ago," said John Leach, SVR marketing manager

"Through resolve and determination they have not only kept it going but helped build it into one of the country's leading tourist attractions."