SEVERN Valley Railway has chosen a new general manager who will take up the position in June.

Colin Binch, a graduate in mechanical engineering from City University, London, will replace Alun Rees, when he retires at the end of May, after 13 years.

Mr Binch served an apprenticeship with Brush Electrical Machines and has enjoyed a 30 year-career in mechanical engineering, extending from the workshop bench to the boardroom.

He has held positions including technical manager at Unipart International, the marketing division of the automotive parts giant, and technical director and later operations director at Cressall Resistors.

In 2002, he completed a masters degree course at Manchester Business School.

The 52-year-old, who has been interested in railways since he was four, has been a member of several heritage railways throughout the years and a keen photographer of steam engines since 1975.

He will begin working with the railway on Tuesday, April 4 and will assume the role of general manager on Thursday, June 1.

Mr Rees said: "We welcome Colin to the SVR. With his background and wealth of knowledge acquired over many years in industry, we are sure the railway will continue to prosper. I am sure I am leaving the railway in safe hands," he added.