Asparagus Express delivers batch of spring crop

The St George's Day train will take a return trip from Broadway to Cheltenham Racecourse

Asparagus season is about to get under way, with the help of a steam railway.

The Asparagus Express service will travel from Broadway in Worcestershire to Cheltenham with the first batch of the spring vegetable crop.

The event on 23 April marks the start of the two-month British Asparagus Festival which celebrates the Vale of Evesham's produce and harvest.

The Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) which is running the service said in the past asparagus was transported to market by the railway from the Vale of Evesham so it was turning the clock back.

The asparagus will be delivered to the National Star charity in Cheltenham where it will be made into soup.

The charity provides training and education, personal development and residential services for people with physical and learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries.

National Star chief executive Lynette Barrett said it was thrilled the festival had chosen to involve its StarBistro venue.

"Preparing young people with disabilities for adulthood is what National Star is all about," said Ms Barrett.

"An important part of that preparation is learning about healthy eating, understanding the importance of local seasonal food and of course how to prepare balanced and tasty meals."

St George's Day has become the starting point for the festival and over the years its organisers have marked the launch with a variety of trips, including to Buckingham Palace and Worcester Cathedral.

GWSR also said it was also looking forward to the event.

"The GWSR are delighted to be involved in this fantastic event, celebrating the beautiful asparagus our region grows," said Catherine Johnson from the railway.