Victorian station that 'built a town' opens doors

The railway station dates from the Victorian era and used to have seven platforms

A Victorian railway station is throwing open its doors to offer visitors an insight into its history and the role it played in the town's prosperity.

March station in Cambridgeshire is taking part in Heritage Open Days, England's largest festival of history and culture, and will be open on 13 and 20 September.

The original station opened in 1847 and consisted of seven platforms, most of which are now disused.

Gary Christie, vice-chairman of the Friends of March Railway Station, said the station "played a big part in the prosperity and the building of March town itself".

A model railway is on show at the open days

The theme of this year's Heritage Open Days is architecture, and a Victorian waiting room has been restored at the station, complete with vintage luggage and an ornate cast iron fireplace.

There is also a model railway, an education room and a library which contains about 1,500 railway-related books.

A number of stalls run by train enthusiasts will also be open.

Visitors can also see work in progress to restore a a 149-year-old Victorian railway carriage that has been moved from a back garden in the county to the station for restoration.

It is hoped it will one day become a tea room.

An old wooden first aid box still contains an instruction sheet on how to treat various injuries

"All of the disused rooms on platform two will be open for people to explore," said Mr Christie.

He said it was a privilege to be one of those caring for the station.

"This station has been a big, big part of March heritage for centuries now.

"This current station was opened not long after the first railways were introduced into the UK.

"The railways were a big employer in the area as well, so many people owe their livelihoods to the railways of March."

The volunteers' Facebook group has more than 3,500 followers and they are from "all over the world".

Mr Christie added: "There are so many stories around March railway station to be told, which is really great when we have some of the old railway workers who come here and share their memories."

Train and railway-related books are part of a vast collection in the library

Volunteer and librarian Dave Story stands in the heritage room, a recreation of a Victorian waiting room

Dave Story, a volunteer and the librarian for the Friends of March Railway Station, said: "My father worked on the railways and I've always had an interest. We've always lived within a stone's throw so it's been in-bred, really.

"When I retired from work this seemed to be an ideal opportunity for me to come and pitch in, and help to restore what we're doing... to keep the old station alive."

He said there was "still a lot to do but it's onwards and upwards".