The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway has announced that it has received a further grant as part of the Culture Recovery Fund.

£71,800 has been awarded to the 14-mile long railway as part of round 2 of the scheme and will help the railway recover as well as continue running trains, which resumed on the 13th April 2021.

Round trips from Toddington are now available to book on the GWSR website. However, full services and the reopening of Cheltenham Racecourse, Gotherington, Winchcombe and Broadway are not expected until the end of June.

Additionally, the Dinmore Manor Locomotive Limited, based on the GWSR, has received a second grant of £12,800 to support the overhaul GWR 2-8-0 No. 3850.

2020 saw passenger numbers fall by 77% at the GWSR thanks to reduced capacity and various lockdowns and restrictions.

A spokesman for the railway said: “The Culture Recovery Fund is a key initiative to help a wide range of heritage organisations recover and reopen from enforced closures and cancellations, designed to contain the virus and save lives.  We are deeply grateful to the Government for recognising the importance of underpinning the security of Britain’s rich and diverse heritage, including the GWSR.”

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “Our record-breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.  Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

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