TWO popular children’s TV characters will be the special visitors to Severn Valley Railway next weekend.

PAW Patrol’s Chase and Skye will be at the attraction at intervals throughout both April 28 and 29 and people will have the chance to meet them when they take a steam train ride out to The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley.

Family entertainer David Oakley from A Box of Tricks will also be wowing the crowds with his fast and funny magic shows during the event and The Animal Man will be bringing some amazing critters and creepy crawlies for families to meet.

Clare Gibbard, the SVR’s marketing and communications manager, said there are only a very small number of seats left and that it was essential to book fast to avoid disappointment.

She said: “This will be Chase and Skye’s very first visit to the Railway and we are very much looking forward to welcoming them - we’re sure they will be extremely popular.

“There will be lots to see and do at The Engine House, from magic shows to weird and wonderful creatures and creepy crawlies to meet, and people can make a day of it by hopping on board our steam trains for a journey of adventure along the line.”

The Railway will then be hosting a trio of heritage rail celebrations, the Spring Diesel Festival from May 17th-19th, Mixed Traction day on May 20th and the Goods Gala from June 2nd - 3rd.

It will then be in full steam for its summer holiday programme, including its colourful, flag-waving tribute to wartime Britain, the Step Back to the 1940s Weekends, on June 30th – July 1st and July 7th-8th. It has also launched a series of Tasting Trains, including The Whisky Train and The Wine Train, with tickets selling fast.

For more information about the SVR’s events or to book tickets, see www.svr.co.uk or call 01562 757900.