LLANGOLLEN Railway volunteers celebrated as the first steam train of the 2021 season arrived at Carrog.

The Great Western Railway heavy freight locomotive No.3802 took the 10.30 departure away from Llangollen and was the first such steam hauled train since October on the Dee Valley Line.

The Leader: The Great Western Railway heavy freight locomotive arrives at CarrogThe Great Western Railway heavy freight locomotive arrives at Carrog

Despite the wet weather, good numbers boarded the train for run behind 3802. There was an air of enthusiasm from assembled volunteers as steam returned to the railway, and visiting members of the public were thrilled to join the extended ride to Carrog.

The heritage Wickham railcar supplemented the steam train giving a 75 minute interval service for the weekend.

The locomotive's certification was completed to the satisfaction of the ORR (Office of Rail and Road) thanks to a lot of hard work by members of the Motive Power Department who had prepared No.3802 for its return to steam.

For the footplate crews it was a day of re-assessment of their competence to drive and fire the engine after a ten month lay-off in operations.

The Leader: The Great Western Railway heavy freight locomotive - driver Martin Fuller and fireman Steph Ellwood on the footplate The Great Western Railway heavy freight locomotive - driver Martin Fuller and fireman Steph Ellwood on the footplate

For the first trip Martin Fuller was the driver accompanied by fireman Steph Ellwood.

The LRT chairman, Peter Edwards said: "The resumption of a steam-hauled service at Llangollen this weekend is the culmination of a huge effort by our volunteers and small team of paid staff. It is a significant milestone in our return to full operations.

"We can't afford to be complacent though, we are dependent on on-going support from the Welsh Government and there are still challenges in front of us if we are to return the railway to stability and profitability."

Train services have been progressively reintroduced on the railway since July, when an interim service with the heritage diesel railcar operated initially to Berwyn.

These were later extended as far a Glyndyfrdwy as engineering works were completed.

The heritage diesel service has proved popular with visitors wishing to access areas for walking in the Dee Valley and the ticket revenue generated has made a useful contribution towards the railway's overheads, pending the return of the steam train.

Steam trains will run at weekends and Bank Holidays, with diesel railcars running Tuesdays to Fridays during August.