For its Winter Warmer Steam Gala next weekend, the Battlefield Line will be running a free bus service from Nuneaton and Hinckley to Market Bosworth before the gala, and return there after it finishes.

The Battlefield Line is based at Shackerstone in Leicestershire and runs via Market Bosworth to Shenton. The Winter Warmer Steam Gala is being held on Saturday, 3 and Sunday, 4 February, and will feature Great Western Railway Large Prairie tank locomotives Nos. 4144 and 5199.

A free bus service using a preserved heritage vehicle that is owned by the driver. They will depart from Nuneaton railway station at 9.00 and 10.15, and stop at Nuneaton railway station at 9.03 and 10.18, Hinckley bus station and 9.20 and 10.35 to arrive at the Battlefield Line’s Market Bosworth railway station and 9.45 and 11.00 respectively.

After the gala, buses will depart from Market Bosworth railway station at 16.30 and 17.45, and will stop at Hinckley and Nuneaton bus stations but will not stop at Nuneaton railway station.

Passengers should note that the buses do not have low-floor access, although folded-up prams and pushchairs will be accepted. There is no need to book in advance to use the services.

Highlights of the Gala include an intensive timetable with plenty of chances to ride behind three visiting locomotives in heritage coaches. An on-board buffet service will be available selling a range of hot and cold drinks, bottled ales, and all-day breakfast cobs.

There will be a variety of sales stands at Shackerstone Station including model railway traders and locomotive group support stands. On Platform 2 a short 5-inch gauge miniature railway will be providing rides behind steam and electric locomotives.

At Market Bosworth in the goods shed an extensive gauge 1 model railway with live steam in operation will be running all weekend. Also featuring at Market Bosworth will be miniature steam traction engines.

All-day Rover tickets cost £25 for adults and £10 for children aged 3-15). A family ticket for two adults & three Children is £60 and dogs are welcome to come along but need their own ticket at £2.50. Children under 3 are free.