THOSE who've always dreamt of driving a train can now make their wishes a reality at the Severn Valley Railway.

The heritage line has launched a new programme of steam and diesel footplate experiences running from June to October.

Four different packages will be on offer, with each one including tickets for up to 10 friends and family to travel on the train you’ll be driving.

Starting from £400, including travel tickets for 10 guests, the steam experiences will see enthusiasts driving and firing one of the SVR’s locomotives, and include a safety briefing and detailed instructions and guidance from the experienced crew on the footplate.

The diesel footplate experience is £600 and will see people taking turns as ‘first man’ and ‘second man’, hauling a heavy train with up to 10 family members and friends travelling behind you.

Participants will spend 16 miles covering both the cab roles, plus a further 16 travelling in the rear cab of the locomotive, and the option to travel in one of the train’s carriages with guests for a further 32 miles. Each diesel footplate experience is limited to just four participants, and the experience also includes a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Diesel Depot in Kidderminster.

The footplate experiences include photo opportunities and a presentation folder with a certificate and memento.

Jan Wilkes who recently took part in a steam footplate experience with her son Aaron said: “I have been a fan of steam locomotives as far as I can remember, but to actually take part in driving such a beautiful engine, I can’t put it into words. In fact I still think, did that actually happen? It was amazing. To experience the power of the engine as we went along was something else".

SVR footplate co-ordinator Martin Bannister added: “Our footplate experiences run along the whole length of the line.

“You’ll be passing some truly spectacular countryside, and believe me, there’s no better way to see it than from the cab of a heritage steam or diesel locomotive. You’ll pass through through Bewdley Tunnel, glide across Victoria Bridge and storm up Eardington Bank, on a journey you’ll never forget.”

For more information about the SVR’s footplate experiences visit svr.co.uk.