Becoming a regular feature in the enthusiast calendar is the East Somerset Railways spring gala, which this year took place over two days, marking the 50th anniversary of the line founded by the late wildlife artist David Shepherd in 1974 to offer rides on his own collection of steam locomotives.
Last year's gala was a resounding success and this year's was no exception. The Great Western Society stepped up at short notice to fill the gap left by new-build GWR 4-6-0 No. 6880 which was not, which arrived the week prior to the gala.
