PERSHORE and Evesham are preparing to celebrate 150 years of railway history.

It was back on May 1, 1852, that rail first reached the Vale of Evesham, with the official opening of the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton railway, and the train ran for the first time between Stourbridge and Evesham.

Highlights to celebrate the anniversary will include a modern re-enactment of the first train journey, using a refurbished Thames Turbo 166 train, which will make a trip from Stourbridge to Evesham, stopping at Pershore on the way.

The Sunday, May 5, journey will also stop at all the stations en route - Hagley, Blakedown, Kidderminster, Hartlebury, Droitwich and Worcester.

The special day will convey a civic party of local dignitaries, invited guests and rail enthusiasts to a special Rail 150 Day at Evesham.

"It'll be a great occasion," said Brian Clayton, secretary of the Evesham 150 Pershore group. "We hope there'll also be room for members of the public as well, but have to see how many spaces are available.

"We've arranged many events to celebrate this anniversary, which means so much to many rail enthusiasts in the county."

The exhibition will feature displays and exhibitions, special trains, model and miniature railways, vintage vehicles and a draw with profits going to two charities, the County Air Ambulance and the Downs' Syndrome Group.

Other events include an exhibition of local railway photographs, which are being held in Pershore and Evesham libraries up until the end of the month.

On the anniversary itslf - Wednesday, May 1 - past and present rail staff will be among those attending a special dinner at the Northwich Hotel, Waterside, Evesham, with guest speakers from the rail industry.