Sun shines on railway's new season

* The Class 104 heritage diesel railcar at Carrog Station. Picture by George Jones. 

Llangollen Railway started the new season with the sun is shining.

The first train left Llangollen at 10.40am with the Class 104 heritage diesel railcar carrying families enjoying half-term for a ride through the lovely Dee Valley to Carrog.

The railcar offers best views of the line at this time of the year with its front and rear window positions so passengers can see where they are going - or where they have been.

The late winter sunshine enhanced the views of the valley with some trees and bushes showing the first signs of spring.

After some winter management of the lineside vegetation improved views of the valley and its remoter areas have been opened up for passengers to enjoy the area of outstanding natural beauty.

At Carrog a 40-minute stop over allowed time for a hot drink in the station tearooms or a walk down the lane to Carrog bridge over the River Dee before joining the train back.

Others stayed until a later train taking the opportunity to walk a section of the Dee Valley Way.

A railway spokesman said: "The passenger numbers on the first train were encouraging with several families travelling to take advantage of the half-term offer when first child goes free and second half fare when with a full fare paying adult.

"Trains in the second part of the week and at weekends will be with a steam engine."