A RAIL attraction near St Newlyn East is celebrating the 30th birthday of one of its much-loved railways.

Lappa Valley is marking the launch of its 10¼‑inch gauge Newlyn Downs Branch Line on June 29 and 30, which opened in 1995.

The former Newquay to Chacewater GWR line was constructed using rails purchased from the then-closed Carlyon Bay Beach Railway, which delighted thousands of beachgoers each year.

Lappa Valley also rescued the locomotive Duke of Cornwall as part of the purchase, which was the sole motive power from when the branch line began operation until 2008. The locomotive will make a special appearance during the anniversary weekend although its undergoing an overhaul.

Visitors during the two days of celebration will journey along the route of the former Great Western Railway to the Mitchell and Newlyn Halt behind today’s fleet including 10¼‑inch diesels Eric and The Duke built by Alan Keef. There will also be the unveiling of a new information board celebrating the history of the line.

Lappa Valley unveiled a new station for the branch line last year which will become a focal point for the anniversary celebrations. There will be opportunities to enjoy photos with Duke of Cornwall alongside the current fleet.

Ben Harding, the operations director at Lappa Valley said: “Lots of people remember Duke of Cornwall with a great deal of fondness from her time on the beach, as well as here at Lappa.

“We’re really pleased to be giving her a run-out over the weekend, with a series of demonstration services along the Newlyn Downs line. We’ll also be commemorating the hard work that went into constructing the line on the old track bed over the cold winters.

“Here at Lappa Valley, we love honouring the past and inspiring the next generation of train lovers.”