FOUR lucky steam enthusiasts enjoyed a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Severn Valley Railway after striking gold in a competition to celebrate the attraction’s 50th anniversary. 

The Willy Wonka-inspired 'Golden Ticket' prize, which was held on Monday, June 13, was launched as part of SVR’s birthday celebrations last year.

Each winner - along with a guest - started their unique VIP Experience Day  with a breakfast at Kidderminster's Valley Suite ahead of their journey on an Observation Saloon Carriage - which was pulled by a steam train.

SVR volunteer John Fadelle provided a guided ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of the Engineering Works in Bridgnorth, before the travelling party headed back on the train for lunch.

Among the lucky winners was Ron Bubb, 88, from Kidderminster, and 78-year-old friend Derek Hill, who scooped his ticket after entering his name in a newspaper prize draw.

The occasion marked a special day for steam-enthusiast Mr Bubb, whose visit not only celebrated SVR's landmark birthday, but tied in with his own just last week.

He said: "I had my birthday last week so this is great timing. 

"I go on steam trains all the time. It is a great surprise to have won. I filled in a questionnaire and they sent me a letter to tell me I had beaten over 200 people. It was amazing." 

Mr Hill added: "It has been a very good day. I loved going into the engine rooms. I have never been to Severn Valley Railway before but I might be coming back now!"

Also included in the tour was a chance to see the inner workings of a signal box at Kidderminster, as well as travelling ‘First Class’ to Highley in the afternoon. 

Karen Bryson, 49, from Kidderminster, brought along 45-year-old friend Matthew Bishop after beating 228 entrants to the prize on a competition on SVR's Facebook page. 

Miss Bryson, who even helped burn coal to fuel the engine, said: "I was like a kid when I found out I had won – like a five-year-old at Christmas. 

"I have been to the Severn Valley Railway before but it still takes you back to your childhood. 

"It has been amazing. I love steam trains. There’s something about them that makes me think of Harry Potter. I think it’s because they have more character."

Theresa Torrington, 61, and Ray Torrington, 62, travelled down from Lincolnshire after finding out the tickets they purchased last October had been selected at random as a ‘Golden Ticket’.

Mr Torrington said: "We went on last year and all of a sudden we had won this golden ticket. We have never won anything like this before. It has been great. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity." 

Erdington couple Jane Williams and husband Richard, both 31, were the final winners after tickets to a Santa Special for their two children were chosen as 'Golden Tickets'.

Mrs Williams said: "Is has been a really good day. We never win anything so it’s good to win this!"

Winners also gained free admission to the Engine House Visitor Centre and a footplate ride on one of the SVR’s heritage steam locomotives, before ending the day with afternoon tea at 5pm. 

Clare Gibbard, marketing and communications manager at SVR, said: "It has gone really well. 

"They all seem to have had a really good time and they have been really enthusiastic. It is nice to have this to help celebrate our 50th anniversary. It is a once in a lifetime experience for them."