The Severn Valley Railway welcomed a special visitor on Friday as TV presenter Noel Edmonds enjoyed a unique railway experience.

The Deal or No Deal presenter and a close friend enjoyed one of the railway’s popular Footplate Experiences, which saw them drive and fire steam locomotive No. 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ for 44 miles.

During the day, the experience saw the pair steam through Bewdley and provided opportunities for them to view the flooded river Severn from one of the best vantage points – on the footplate of a locomotive. The friends also enjoyed a sit down lunch at Kidderminster and a tour of Bridgnorth loco works.

At the end of the day, Noel and his friend each received presentation packs including a number of unique Footplate Experience goodies.

Noel said:

“We’ve had an absolutely brilliant day on the Severn Valley Railway today. The Footplate Experience really is a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime activity and the volunteers at the Railway are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable which made the experience all that much better.

“The scenery along the Railway is breath taking – I would definitely recommend a visit.”

For more information on the range of Footplate Experiences at the SVR, visit www.svr.co.uk/FootplateExperience.aspx