AFTER six weeks of maintenance work and repairs, Severn Valley Railway's fleet of locomotives will be back up and running ready for the February half term.

Staff and volunteers have been hard at work behind the scenes, relaying tracks, replacing sleepers, reinforcing one of its viaducts, painting a train and cleaning its stations ahead of the busy school break from February 16 to 24.

This year, Severn Valley is rolling back the price of its Family Freedom of the Line ticket, meaning up to two adults and up to four children can enjoy unlimited travel along the line during the day, plus free entry to the Engine House Visitor Centre for £49.

Creative kids can also join Lego Master Builder Bricks McGee for fun-filled workshops throughout the day at the Engine House on February 23 and 24.

There will be a chance to recreate local landmarks at 11am and 2.45pm, beautiful gardens at 12.15pm and 4pm or be a town planner and build a metropolis at 1.30pm.

Workshops last approximately an hour and are suitable for ages five and over. Places are free with a Freedom of the Line ticket and are available on a first come, first served basis.

On display at Kidderminster Station throughout the half term will be the engine that collided with a camel - the 8F No. 48773. Visitors can climb aboard the footplate with volunteers from The Stanier 8F Locomotive Society to find out all about the engine and its colourful history.

The February break will also see the grand opening of Severn Valley's brand new refreshment room at Bridgnorth, along with a larger overflow car park.

After a 24-year break, the British Railways Standard 4 locomotive No. 75069 will be pulling its first train in more than two decades on Saturday, February 16.

Hauling the 10.30am service from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster, the sparkling black locomotive will also be in service on February 17, 23 and 24.

Youngsters can make their dream of driving a steam train a reality on the morning introductory Footplate Experience on Saturday, February 23.

The experience includes a chance to drive and fire for eight miles, bring along four family members or friends, and a Freedom of the Line ticket. Pre-booking is required.

Lewis Maddox, events co-ordinator at Severn Valley, said: “We really are pulling out all the stops this half-term, with so much to do and see for all ages.

"Our Lego-inspired workshops should be a real hit with kids and adults alike, and we’ll have lots of fun activities going on throughout the week, with the chance to enjoy a great-value day out thanks to our new, reduced family Freedom of the Line fare.

“We’re extremely proud of our new refreshment room, which provides a fantastic place for visitors to sit back, relax and re-fuel while our trains steam by, and we are delighted to see the return to the rails of 75069, which has been the subject of so much hard work from so many volunteers.

"We’re sure our visitors will love to see it in action once again.”

Visit svr.co.uk or call 01562 757900 for more information.