Groudle Glen Railway will re-open its railway for its 125th anniversary year this coming Sunday and Monday.

The railway was unable to open for the Easter Bunny Trains for the second year running due to Covid restrictions.

Major engineering works that had to be completed prior to re-opening also halted services, but these have now been completed.

Charity chairman Trevor Nall said: ’Our team of volunteers have pulled out all the stops working around the clock over the last couple of weeks to complete the major trackworks in our main station at Lhen Coan.

’These were essential works and part of our 125th Anniversary Legacy project, but we couldn’t open until all the works were completed… and now after some long days and late evenings down the glen, the railway is ready to run once again.’

The railway and the cliff top tea rooms will be open this Sunday and Monday from 11am to 4.30pm, offering families from across the island the chance for a day out on one of the Isle of Man’s cherished vintage railways and refreshments in one of the island’s beauty spots following weeks of recent lockdown.

The line will then continue with its summer season operating every Sunday between 11am and 4.30pm, plus Wednesday evenings from mid June and August 7pm to 9pm.

On Sunday, May 23 the railway will officially celebrate its 125th Anniversary with a day of celebrations in the glen, starting with a ceremony at 11am featuring the line’s original 1896 steam locomotive Sea Lion.

Families across the island are invited to then take part in a Trainspotting Challenge in order to win an UHDTV generously donated by Waltons before enjoying music at the Cliff Top Tea Rooms from Truman Falls.

Tickets are already available online for this special day online at www.ggr.org.uk.

The railway is always looking for new volunteers to join the team to assist in running the line, the tea rooms and other various aspects including painting, catering, joinery, electrics, horticulture, marketing and engineering.

If you feel you’d like to do something worthwhile with your Sundays, get in touch via the website www.ggr.org.uk.