Rare metal stolen from heritage railway line

The gate at the railway yard was broken

Track equipment and metal has been stolen from a Somerset heritage railway line following a break-in.

The East Somerset Railway at Cranmore said that springs were stolen from carriages that were "more than 120 years old".

Simon Bending, business manager at the steam heritage railway line, said the charity "will take a big hit" from the theft in its "busiest month".

The incident has been reported to Avon and Somerset Police and the force are appealing for witnesses.

Some of the pieces were meant for track repairs

The 156-year-old Somerset heritage line relies heavily on donations to run throughout the summer season.

Mr Binding told BBC Radio Somerset: "It was all ferrous metal taken with some of the pieces being rare.

"Two sets of suspension springs taken were from the 19th Century.

"This is the busiest time for us as it’s the summer holidays, so this heartless act will affect us."

He added that some of the pieces taken were meant for track repairs.

"It’s a busy time for us and we have lots of events on. We are a charity and any donations are always welcome."