A MONTH of special events are planned at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, following a blessing of the line.

The Reverend Derek Witchell conducted the service on August 3 and blessed the locomotive and the volunteers.

They then travelled along the line where communities and parishes also received the same.

To celebrate the silver jubilee of the railway and mark 20 years of running passenger trains a number of special events are already in motion.

This Saturday is the Silver Jubilee Diesel Gala with all available diesel locomotives in service, as well as the bubble car 55023. Another Silver Jubilee Steam on Sunday will follow this weekend.

On Wednesday, August 20, the railway pays homage to the 1994 funfair put on to celebrate the start of passenger operations, with a Family Fun Day at Chinnor.

A bouncy castle, ice cream van, children’s crafts and games, will give an extra treat for any young visitor arriving to enjoy a ride on the steam train.

Steam and diesel traction will then feature on Thursday, August 21, before visitors join in on August 23 with rides on 55023 and lots more ice cream.

The Teddy Bear weekend then starts, with soft toys and their young keepers all able to ride the steam and diesel trains for free on August 24 and 25.

Then on August 27 and 28 the big windows and comfy seats of 55023 will be in use on the last midweek excursions along the Chilterns, while the last weekend of August sees the Fish & Chip Quiz Train on the 30th. This is followed by a Ploughman’s Lunch service on the last steam trains of the month on August 31.

There’s also a special August offer on child tickets of just £1 each (up to two per fare paying adult or senior).