TRAIN enthusiasts will have the chance to ride on the Highbridge's newly-restored Coach Number 4 at the West Somerset Railway Autumn Gala.

The S&DJR Trust's Coach Number 4 was originally built in Highbridge in 1886 and remained in use until 1929 when the body was taken out of use.

It was then transported to Templecombe where it became a cricket pavilion for many years.

Eventually it was then rescued by the Trust and brought to Washford where it was restored into its resplendent S&D fully lined-out Prussian blue livery. The work was completed in August this year.

Now it will get the chance to run behind the S&DJR Trust's little Peckett saddle tank 'Kilmersdon' which was built in Bristol in 1929.

The locomotive is of historic interest as it was the last steam engine to work in industrial service in Somerset.

Coach Number 4 was used during the WSR Spring Gala, but only in partly-restored condition.

This year it will run between Blue Anchor and Minehead during periods of line access.

The WSR Autumn Gala runs from October 6-9 and will see nine steam locos in action, as well as the Minehead Turntable. More information is available on the WSR website www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.