THE Review are chuffed to announce a fabulous competition to win a complimentary pass for one or two persons on the Dean Forest Railway, valid for all operating days* (excluding Santa Specials).

The Dean Forest Railway runs through beautiful woodland and countryside, and offers visitors a chance to experience the relaxing pace of a typical country branch line.

Although the line has been around since the 1860’s the Dean Forest Railway Preservation Society was formed in the 1970’s to save the line from permanent closure and preserve it for future generations.

With five stations along the way you’ll have time to explore the local area, taking in woodland walks and country pubs, or venturing down to the Severn estuary to explore Lydney Harbour with its fantastic views across the Severn.

The railway has plenty of free parking available at their main Norchard Station in Forest Road, near Lydney. This is home to their museum, shop and new cafe.

Lydney Junction is the ’business end’ of the railway. Here there are excellent viewing opportunities to see the locomotives close up here, and the operation of the level crossing gates and the ’run round’ procedures. The signalbox is always manned, and controls the trains from Norchard to the Junction, and controls the crossing gates. With links to the mainline it is only a five minute walk from Lydney Station.

From Lydney junction there is a pleasant two-mile walk along the old trackbed and Lydney dock area to Lydney Harbour, with expansive views over the River Severn to Sharpness and beyond.

Come and see the newly restored, much loved, beautiful Victorian listed St Mary’s pedestrian footbridge, part of the original Severn and Wye Railway infrastructure. The footbridge was removed from site for restoration using the Dean Forest Railway’s own heritage 15-ton rail crane built by Joseph Booth & Bros of Rodley, Leeds. The bridge re-connects footpaths and gives a great place to view the Dean Forest Heritage Railway.

Standard steam train days are most Wednesdays and weekends from March-November using their fleet of heritage steam locomotives and rolling stock, all restored and maintained by their dedicated team of volunteers. The railway is operated by volunteers and funded only by ticket revenue and sales from their shop.

More information can be found at: www.deanforestrailway.co.uk

*The prize excludes Santa Specials, on other special event days a supplement may be required.

To be in with a chance of winning a complimentary pass* on the Dean Forest Railway for one or two persons, just answer the following question:

What is the name of the Dean Forest Railway’s main station in Forest Road, Lydney?

To enter simply post your answer in the comments box at the bottom of this article. Good luck!

The closing date for this competition is 1pm on Monday, January 27th.

The usual Review terms and conditions apply.