THE Westcountry's heritage steam railways are teaming up to give the romance of steam train travel in the region a greater profile at home and abroad - and boosting local tourism at the same time.

A new joint marketing organisation called Great Western Steam Railways' has just been set up to put the major steam rail lines in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall firmly on the national and international map.

The West Somerset Railway, Bodmin and Wenford Railway and the South Devon Railway are at the centre of the new group - with the Dartmoor Railway as an associate member.

Between them they carry more than 400,000 passengers annually and have a combined turnover of around £5 million.

As part of the collaboration each member must aim to run a minimum of 100 days a year with regular quality inspections.

West Somerset Railway general manager Paul Conibeare said: "The new Great Western Steam Railways group plans to target tourists both in the UK and abroad by promoting the West Country's excellent and varied heritage railways.

"By working together, we can promote ourselves and the region much more effectively in mass markets and conduct promotional campaigns which individual lines simply could not afford.

"In order to get things rolling, we aim to set up a website and GWSR group discount card, and launch a PR and advertising campaign over the next 12 months.

"Working together, we can boost tourism revenue, particularly at either end of the main season, for both the rail lines and local businesses such as hotels and bed and breakfast operators."