BUTLINS has stepped in to help Crowcombe and Stogumber youngsters enjoy a special day out to learn all about the West Somerset Railway.

Julie Norman, head teacher at Crowcombe and Stogumber School put in an appeal to the Somerset County Gazette in May and within hours of the article being published Butlins got in touch.

They kindly offered to stump up the full £700 required to pay for the train tickets so on Tuesday, June 21 for 90 children and 15 adults to travel from Stogumber to Minehead and back for a grand day out.

"The families and staff, and of course the children were overcome with gratitude," Mrs Norman said.

West Somerset Railway Association's Robin White also played a key part in the day, helping to organise for volunteers on the railway to come into the school in their railway uniform and talk about their roles and the importance of the heritage railway.

Mrs Norman said the four volunteers, fireman Andy, train driver John, guard Angie and Steve the signalman inspired the children and she hopes that some will go on to be future volunteers.

"After a lovely ice lolly on the beach we travelled back to Stogumber, enjoying the company of guards, station managers and railway," Mrs Norman said.

"The children and staff will always remember such a wonderful trip, amazing volunteers who inspire our youngsters and the generosity of Butlins to allow the trip to go ahead.

"Schools work so hard to create inspiration and opportunities for our children to be composers of their own future, and with the help of companies like Butlins and volunteers on WSR we have hopefully just inspired a new generation of volunteers on our treasured WSR and all who work to keep it going. We are incredibly grateful."