PLANS to make Kidderminster Station on the Severn Valley Railway the "jewel in the crown of heritage railways" have been drawn up.

The £750,000 project will include a glass canopy, which will be double pitched to a traditional railway design and cover the whole of the concourse.

It will provide a sheltered area for visitors using the Severn Valley Railway to wait during bad weather and can also be used for evening functions such as the popular 1940s weekends.

The 'missing' wing of the station buildings, which has not been finished since the station was built in 1985, will be completed.

A new building will be constructed in an identical style to the rest of the station to replace the existing temporary building.

It will help to improve the buffet facilities and will also double up as a function room for the King and Castle.

The popular 16-mile route from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth attracts thousands of tourists each year and John Leech, marketing manager for SVR, said it was an important development.

He added: "It is our gateway station. The majority of our visitors start their journey at Kidderminster. It is very important that we make a good first impression on them.

"Although we have always been reasonably happy with the station the way it is the catering facilities do need updating and now is the chance to do it.

"We are really looking forward to it. It will make an impression on the visitors and improve the whole experience for them.

"It will definitely be the jewel in the crown of the heritage railways."

Some £160,000 has been raised so far from donations and the boards of the companies that own and run the SVR are committed to the £750,000 cost with the help of members, shareholders and the general public.

Plans have been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council for planning permission and Mr Leech said he expected work to start later this month.