SOUTH Devon Railway have laid on a special train to celebrate this weekend’s coronation.

It’s the idea of volunteer driver and fireman Charlie Dennis, who came up with a similar idea last year for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

‘On that occasion we kept it to certain deserving groups such as schoolchildren, pensioners, Memory Cafe patrons and members of the Royal British Legion.

‘This time however, we have made it available to everyone in the Ashburton area and beyond. I’m a very community-minded person and it’s great we have opened it up to every resident who has applied for a ticket.’

The trip proved so popular the South Devon Railway, one of the county’s most popular tourist attractions, that an extra carriage has been laid on to accommodate all the royal celebration travellers.

The Coronation Special leaves the charity’s Buckfastleigh Station for a round trip to Totnes on Friday evening. All the free tickets have now been allocated

‘There’s only a 15-minute turn round at Totnes, but it’s a chance to offer something special to remember a special weekend!’ Charlie added.