A SCHEME to bring a heritage railway into the centre of Bala is well on track.

The plan to extend Bala Lake Railway was announced last year, but has taken a major step forward in recent weeks.

The Bala Lake Railway Trust announced that the exchange of contracts took place for the first plot of land where the new Bala Town station is to be constructed at the end of last month.

The Trust’s chairman, Julian Birley, was thrilled.

“Securing the first piece of land for the new Bala town station is a hugely significant step towards the construction of the extension of the Bala Lake Railway,” he said.

“The land has been paid for by the very generous donations of our supporters across the UK, showing how important the project is and how it has captured people’s imaginations.

“The Trust is indebted to the fantastic work of volunteer solicitor Lisa Williams who has been instrumental in the purchase.”

The scheme, known as the Red Dragon Project, will hopefully be completed in 2020.

The plan to extend the railway will bring an additional £1.5m annually to the town, it has been claimed

To celebrate the announcement, and to make the most of St David’s Day, the Bala Lake Railway is offering a free steam train ride to residents of north Wales tomorrow.

If you live in north Wales all you need to do is bring proof of address to get free travel. Availability is on a first come basis.