Elsecar Heritage Railway has almost doubled turnover in its busiest year ever.

 

The railway's annual general meeting was told turnover had risen from £60,000 to around £120,000. Chairman Del Tilling said the boost was due to a number of 'small things' improving overall quality of the visitor experience.

 

He said: "We had a look at our business plan and introduced new income streams and developed existing ones.

 

"We built a new station buffet, repaired our footbridge, and brought in small things - like we provide crayons and colouring sheets with Thomas the Tank Engine for children, and we now sell Costa Coffee in the buffet."

 

The railway is seeking accreditation to the Visit Britain Quality Assurance Scheme, and is constantly upgrading the quality of its product to try and achieve this.

 

Del said: "We are custodians of a nationally important railway and we are working hard to see that our facilities bear this out."

 

Elsecar Railway is anticipating a very busy 'Santa Steam Specials' season and is advising early booking.

 

On Thursday (October 31), it is running Hallowe'en trains from 5pm with railway members attending in fancy dress and a group of actors on board telling ghost stories.

 

"It will be a really fun evening," said Del.