A commemorative rail event to mark 50 years since the last passenger train left Oswestry station will be held this weekend.

Visitors to the Cambrian Heritage Railway centre in Oswald Road will be able to enjoy a nostalgic journey aboard a steam locomotive along newly- extended lines to celebrate the occasion.

Held across both Saturday and Sunday, there will also be a selection of 1960s memorabilia on show, a transport display, competitions, real ale and refreshments.

The event has been organised by CHR members, who have worked extensively to restore Oswestry’s historic line and station and preserve its rich rail heritage.

CHR member Dave Roll said: “Saturday will be the main event, really. We have the mayor coming down on Saturday for the first ride aboard the steam locomotive and we’ll have lots of other things going on, too.

“We feel it’s really important to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Oswestry station closing to passengers.

“Though the line continued to be used for deliveries for years afterwards, the closure had a huge effect on the town in terms of employment and redundancies here.

“We’re fairly sure there will still be people living locally who rode on the train’s final journey into Oswestry station and we’d very much like to hear from them.

“If anyone can produce a ticket from that day, they can enjoy a free ride on the steam train this weekend.”

An evocative story penned by reporter Sam Evans for the Advertizer in November 1966 detailed the passenger train’s final journey on Bonfire Night of that year.

An excerpt from the article reads: “Mighty bangers roared, Roman candles sent showers of sparks flying over startled passengers, and as the packed train came to a final halt at the buffers of Oswestry station, a ceremonious multi-coloured spectacular that would have gladdened the heart of Guy Fawkes himself was lit on the platform at the head of the train.”

This weekend’s rail festivities are from 11am to 3.30pm on Saturday and Sunday with rides aboard the steam engine lasting around 10 minutes.

For further details visit the CHR website at www.cambrianrailways.com or call 01691 728131.