Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway is suspending trains until at least April 11 following Government advice about limiting the spread of Coronavirus.

The railway has been working hard to get everything ready for the main season opening on April 4, including special cleaning, extra carriages to spread visitors out, limited catering and other protections for both staff and visitors.

But Government advice about isolation, social distancing and avoiding unnecessary travel made it impossible to run a public train service, said a railway spokesman

Individuals and groups with advance bookings for trains or events over Easter will have their tickets honoured when things return to normal. Anyone requiring a refund is asked to contact the railway on [email protected] or on 01938 810441.

Information about future plans will be posted on the railway’s website www.wllr.org.uk and on social media www.facebook.com/welshpoolsteamrailway and @LlanfairLine on Twitter.

“Similar decisions are being taken by other members of the Great Little Trains of Wales group and indeed by heritage railways throughout the UK,” said the spokesman. “ These closures will be a heavy burden for all of us.

“As a vital sector of the tourist industry and of British culture, we look forward to the support of enthusiasts and the broader public when we are able to reopen safely., Until then, we have unavoidable expenses and no operating income and any donation you can spare will help us through these difficult times.”

Donations can be made at https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/9557#!/DonationDetails , otherwise send cheques made payable to W&LLR Preservation Co. Ltd, to the railway at the Station, Llanfair Caereinion SY21 0SF. UK income taxpayers can add 25 per cent to their donations by ticking the Gift Aid box.