The Bluebell Railway has been named Railway of the Year in the Good Britain Guide 2004.

"Everything here has a wonderfully genuine feel of the past, from the period carriages to the splendid stations decked out with nostalgic advertisements," says the guide.

"Whenever you see a period railway on television or in films, it's more than likely to be this one."

Bluebell Railway commercial director Tim Baker thanked all the staff and volunteers involved in making the
Railway such a success.

The Bluebell is an all-steam railway that follows the practice and traditions of the former Southern Railway. It is run by a small
workforce of paid staff and a large number of volunteers who come from all walks of life and range in age from 16 to 95.

The line is 10 miles in length and runs from Sheffield Park to Kingscote just one and half miles short of
East Grinstead.

The nearest Network Rail station is East Grinstead where there is a bus service to the Bluebell.

Trains operate at weekends throughout the year and on weekdays in the summer months and at half term.

The Bluebell Railway is owned by the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society which holds the majority shares in Bluebell Railway PLC, a "not for profit" company which operates the line. The Bluebell railway has run train services since 1960.

Full details can be found at the Bluebell Railway web site <http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk>

Information from Barry Coward <press@bluebell-railway.co.uk>