SEVERN Valley Railway is steaming ahead with plans for a £4.3 million visitor centre.

If the development wins the go-ahead from planners, SVR will look to the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Union for funding.

The railway's marketing manager John Leach said the building, earmarked for Highley Station, would house about 10 locomotives awaiting overhaul, with a first floor classroom from where people could look down at them. The centre will also include a shop and refreshment area.

He said it would be the first time people could get a close-up look at the locomotives since health and safety regulations stopped the public from touring the engine shed at Bridgnorth in 1992.

"The development will bring more visitors and will provide tremendous opportunities for education, especially with the Severn Valley Country Park and Arley Arboretum nearby," said Mr Leach.

It is hoped the centre will attract £1 million from one of the European Union funds and £3.3million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and be ready for opening in about two years.

Meanwhile, SVR is appealing for volunteers to help run the trains and stations along the 16-mile track.

Mr Leach said paid staff were occasionally being called on to act as drivers and firemen on the increasingly popular Steam School Special service where people paid to learn to drive a steam train.

"We are nowhere near a crisis but we are always on the lookout for more volunteers," he added.

Anyone who would like to volunteer their time to help the railway should contact volunteer liaison officer Peter Edkins on 01299 401776.