A SPECIAL Severn Valley Railway VIP train steamed along the newly restored 16 mile line from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth today, marking the return to full services.

Television gardening celebrity, Charlie Dimmock, was on hand to break a celebratory bottle of champagne against the first locomotive to make the complete journey since extensive damage was caused by torrential rain and flooding nine months ago.

Mick York, chairman of SVR, joked: "Charlie Dimmock is well known for her water features which is certainly something we have in common."

He added: "June 19, 2007, is a date everyone involved at SVR will never forget. It was almost as if we had been targeted by the weather."

He explained it had taken both hard work and £3.55 million to be able to resume normal services while a shortfall did remain which he hoped the public appeal would bridge.

He said: "I can confidently say we now have a better, stronger railway than we had nine months ago. This is a great day for the railway and I think it is also great for the whole region."

Dr Richard Taylor, Wyre Forest MP, said: "I am absolutely thrilled that the railway is fully back up and running because it is one of the most important facilities we have got."

He added SVR offered a "super" service and that the response to the public appeal had been both "amasing" and a tribute to the community, amassing £575,000.

Independent Health Concern Councillor Mike Shellie, mayor of Kidderminster, said: "If you looked at the state of the line last June you would have thought it would take at least 18 months work. Everyone involved has put in an incredible amount of effort. "

He added: "SVR, West Midland Safari Park and Kidderminster itself as it regenerates are attracting thousands of visitors a year."

Conservative Jeffery Baker, chairman of Wyre Forest District Council, said: "I am delighted to be here. SVR is part of Wyre Forest's heritage and we must support it as much as possible. Let's hope they have a long dry summer."

Charlie Dimmock said: "It's fantastic to be here and it's a beautiful station here in Kidderminster. This is like a day out."

Heritage railway services will operate every weekend, then daily from May 3 to September 28 plus the Easter and October school holidays. The first train will set off at 9.55am from Kidderminster tomorrow.