The scenic South Devon Railway (SDR) is joining fellow historic railways from across the UK in a new nationwide campaign to raise the profile of Britain’s heritage rail sector.

The vintage train line is getting on board the ‘Love Your Railway’ campaign which runs until September 5 and aims to shine a spotlight on the work heritage railways do in terms of historic conservation, education and research.

The campaign will also highlight how the Covid-19 pandemic has threatened the existence of heritage railway lines.

Jon Morton, SDR trust chairman, said: “We’re delighted to support the laudable ‘Love Your Railway’ campaign to highlight the work that heritage lines all over the country do to conserve, protect, promote, entertain and educate people about Britain’s rich 200-year railway history and culture

“Heritage railways in the South West, and across the country, have all had a rotten time during the Covid-19 pandemic with restricted operations and mounting financial losses, so we need people to visit us now like never before just to survive.”

The SDR, which runs from Buckfastleigh to Totnes, is collaborating with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), which is spearheading the campaign, and more than 35 other famous heritage railways including The Bluebell Railway, Crich Tramway Village, Severn Valley Railway and Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Chris Price, NYMR general manager, said: “There are more than 150 operational heritage railways, running trains over nearly 600 miles of track, which protect, conserve and bring to life part of the nation’s rich cultural heritage – giving enjoyment and learning to thousands of people every year.

“We want to do all we can to raise awareness of every heritage railway across the country and the challenges we face.

“All the participating railways will be posting their own social content across the six themed weeks, but we also want to encourage the public to get involved by sharing their favourite memories and inspiring imagery from their visits, using the hashtag #LoveYourRailway.”

The social media themes for the six week campaign come under the titles of heritage, education, volunteers, family, sustainability and future.