A WOLDS heritage railway run entirely by volunteers has completed its most successful year yet.

The number of visitors to the Ludborough-based Lincolnshire Wolds Railway (LWR) in 2011 increased by 43 per cent over the previous year and bookings on the popular Santa Special trains were double the 2010 figure.

Events organiser Gordon Newton said: "It was really pleasing that many families have said that they want to make a visit to the railway again in 2012.

"The railway now has its very own events team who provide additional onboard entertainment on the Santa trains and other special occasions.

"This year's success has been due to a real team effort from volunteers at all levels.

"It was a fitting end to what has been our best-ever year at the LWR."

In the past year, brown tourist signs have been placed on the A16 and A18, directing drivers to the railway.

Mr Newton said: "It's been a long time coming and has taken a lot of effort to get them in place, but now people visiting the railway for the first time will be able to find us much more easily.

"The LWR is now firmly established on the Lincolnshire tourist map."

The LWR now also has the right to display the English red rose following the latest Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme assessment, which was carried out last year.

The station's Steaming Kettle Buffet also increased its takings significantly during the year and received a five-star rating for the quality of its hygiene, food and service.

A new souvenir book on the history of the line was published and is on sale in the station shop and on the railway's website, along with other LWR merchandise.

By the time trains start running again on March 18 for Mothers' Day, work will be well under way on phase one of the project to extend the line south towards Louth.

A large quantity of track and sleepers was very kindly donated to the railway by Associated British Ports, which has enabled things to move forward.

Significant works are currently taking place around the area south of the engine shed, to allow for new track to be laid and a locomotive inspection pit to be constructed.

Mr Newton said: "With the improvements we are making and an attractive programme of events coming up, including the three-day Easter Gala, we are confident that this year will be another good year for the LWR."