A GROUP of enthusiastic railway volunteers are celebrating a special anniversary.

Talyllyn Tracksiders is commemorating its 20th year this summer with a range of activities.

The group was formed in 1996 to provide opportunities for families to work together on the Talyllyn Railway, and has encouraged many young people to volunteer on the railway in their own right when they turn 14.

Several former Tracksiders have also gone to on to start careers in the railway industry with some now occupying senior positions.

Tracksiders hold two special working weeks each year, the Spring Bank Holiday half term week, and the week leading up to the August Bank Holiday weekend.

There are also other ‘one off’ events throughout the year.

During these weeks a range of activities are organised and the group has been responsible for clearing undergrowth, repairing fencing, building viewing areas for photographers, as well as many other tasks across the railway.

In addition, the group holds barbecues and participates in the railways’ family days when the railway hosts visiting locomotives from the Revd. Awdry’s ‘Skarloey Railway’ such as this year’s ‘Peter Sam’s Party’.

To celebrate their 20th Anniversary the group are planning some special events on Friday and Saturday 3-4 June.

On the Friday they will be installing a special commemorative milepost at Dolgoch station, and also making an addition to the time capsule that was buried as part of the Millennium celebrations.

Then on the Saturday there will be the launch of a book ‘Tracksiders 20’ illustrating some of the activities the group has been involved with through the years.

In the evening the group will be giving a special performance of ‘The Railway Children’ at Abergynolwyn station along with a barbecue.