THE Toddington-based Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is running a series of Diesel Locomotive Driving Experience courses throughout the year.

The courses are regarded as among the best of their type in the UK and with a preserved line of 9.5 miles running through the Cotswolds between Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse stations, booking is expected to be brisk.

Using locomotives from the GWR's home based restored classic diesel heritage fleet, the courses cost £210 a day and will include supervised driving through the 693 yard Greet Tunnel.

"In order to make the courses as realistic as possible, the locomotive will be hauling five or six coaches or a 1960s style freight train," said Wayne Finch, diesel department publicity officer. For details email Grahame Orlebar at drvadieselgwr-@dsl.pipex.com.