CELEBRATIONS marking the 150th anniversary of the coming of the railway to the Vale of Evesham and the opening of Pershore and Evesham Stations reach a climax on Sunday with a special VIP train from Stourbridge and a rail day at Evesham Station.

The Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway, nicknamed the Old Worse and Worse, opened between Stourbridge and Evesham in early May 1852 and Sunday's events are a modern day re-enactment of the official train linking the two towns.

Civic leaders from towns along the route are joining the special, formed by a refurbished Thames Trains' Class 166 Turbo train and with assistance from colleagues at Central Trains and Railtrack in crewing and pathing the train. At Pershore, the train will be greeted by Perscoran Brass and members will then travel with the party to play at Evesham Station

On arrival at Evesham shortly before 11.30am, passengers will be able to join the festivities of Rail Day featuring special trains, vintage vehicles, miniature railway rides, displays and exhibitions, with Evesham impressionist Alistair McGowan performing sign and plaque ceremonies at both Evesham and Pershore.

Special commemorative tickets for the train ride from Stourbridge to Evesham are available at a flat fare of £5 return from Brian Clayton, secretary of event organiser Evesham/Pershore committee, on 01386 701528 or from chairman Julian Palfrey on 01386 561198. It is also hoped to provide an additional special on the day using different modern motive power from Evesham to Worcester recreating a journey offered from Evesham to Abbotswood, Worcester, to members of the public on the original opening day.

"Cheering crowds, cannon fire and church bells greeted the departure of the first official train on the line back in 1852 when the day was treated as a public holiday," Mr Palfrey said. "We hope that the special train and the Evesham event will offer a taste of that first day but also highlight the continuing importance of the railways to the local communities they serve."