'SAVE your railway'.

That's the plea from Swanage Railway as a major appeal is launched to raise £450,000 amid rising operational costs and declining passenger numbers.

Launched by the Swanage Railway Trust, the Save Your Railway appeal aims to boost the heritage line’s financial reserves over the winter months before the main trading season resumes next spring.

Swanage Railway trust chairman Frank Roberts said: “We are well aware that the cost of living crisis is affecting very many people but every pound donated to our Save Your Railway appeal will help the Swanage Railway.

“Since the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the Swanage Railway has found it challenging to attract more passengers while also trying to reduce strong inflationary and economic pressures.”

He said while the railway’s passenger numbers are recovering, he said they had not returned to the levels seen in 2019.

More than 141,000 people passengers have visited so far this year, compared to more than 202,000 people in the whole of 2019.

Growing inflation means Swanage Railway is having to pay more for coal, oil, water and other services.

As well as an appeal, the Swanage Railway Company which runs the heritage steam trains on behalf of the trust, aims to reduce operating costs by £350,000.

It is also working on an initiative to attract more visitors to the Isle of Purbeck in 2024.

Frank, who lives in Swanage and has been a dedicated Swanage Railway volunteer for almost 40 years, said: “To increase income, we will be repositioning the Swanage Railway into a broader and more commercial visitor experience while also maintaining our heritage train business. It’s a challenge as well as an opportunity to shape the Swanage Railway for the future.

“We are working to make the Swanage Railway more efficient and effective as well as being capable of attracting increasing numbers of passengers.”

He added: “The longer term survival of the Swanage Railway depends on a positive and quick response to our call to arms.”

To donate to the Save Your Railway appeal, visit swanagerailwaytrust.enthuse.com/saveyourrailway.

Cheques can be sent to the Swanage Railway Trust, Station House, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1HB marked Save Your Railway appeal.