This year’s Manx Heritage Transport Festival takes place soon.

The event, from July 24 to 28, is designed to entice residents and visitors to the services.

Director of transport services Ian Bates said: ’The transport festival really brings out the best in our unique heritage railways and we have a wide range of events planned.

’This year we’re marking some big birthdays - with Laxey station celebrating 125 years since the arrival of the Electric Railway, as well as our steam loco Fenella’s 125th anniversary.’

The five-day festival includes special bus trips, behind-the-scenes tours of railway workshops, photography sessions, dining experiences, celebrations at Laxey and a chance to meet the Douglas Bay horses in their stable.

There will also be guided walks, presentations from volunteers and a day out for vintage bus enthusiasts at Jurby Transport Museum.

The Groudle Glen Railway will also launch locos Otter and Brown Bear during the festival. These locos are a replica of the original Groudle loco, Polar Bear.

Details of all events during the festival can be found on www.rail.im, by calling 662525 or by picking up a leaflet at the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and railway stations.

There are restricted places on some special services so early booking is advised. Go cards are valid for travel on scheduled services.