In pictures: East Somerset Railway celebrates 50th anniversary

Lady of Legend was only completed in 2019 and is the headline attraction this weekend

A heritage railway has marked its 50th anniversary as a tourist attraction with a celebration this weekend.

A special gala is being held at Cranmore Railway Station on Saturday and Sunday by East Somerset Railway.

The late wildlife artist David Shepherd started the railway in 1974 by giving people rides on his own steam engines.

The event includes a locomotive, Lady of Legend, which was recreated from parts in 2019, as the headliner.

Britain's newest steam engine - Betton Grange - was set to feature as the star locomotive but works were not completed on time.

It was expected to make its maiden voyage on the railway after a 21-year rebuilt project that cost more than £1m.

Steam trains Andrew Barclay (left) and Large Prairie (right) are at Cranmore Railway Station for the gala

Many people have come to see the steam trains in Somerset

The railway's signalling and telegraph team worked on upgrading the line for the event so trains could use both sets of tracks and platforms for the first time simultaneously.

A heritage centre dedicated to the railway's founder Mr Shepherd was also built on the second platform.

Simon Bending, the railway's business manager, told the BBC: "It is a very special event. Huge progress made over the last 50 years.

"It is great that we have so many visitors today, so many active volunteers to help us.

"It is just fabulous to see all the happy faces to see the steam trains."

Lady of Legend is a recreated locomotive, constructed from refurbished historic engine parts and newly produced ones

One of the locomotive drivers at this weekend's event said it was a celebration of "what we do"

Phil, one of the train's drivers, said: "It is a celebration of what we do as a heritage railway.

"It is for everyone that likes the place, that likes engines, to come together and have a big festival.

"It is a celebration of our history as a preserve railway."