Steam lovers can look forward to a bumper batch of spring attractions and activities at the Bluebell Railway.

The ever-popular historic steam preservation line at Sheffield Park will be hosting events including its annual goods train weekend and the Southern At War weekend in the coming weeks.

The goods train weekend, highlighting the role these engines, which were once the backbone of Britain played, will take place on Saturday, April 14, and Sunday, April 15.

The goods trains were a very important source of revenue on railways like the Bluebell.

In the early 1880s, the railways were able to move many materials, livestock and commodities across the country, in transport operations the like of which had not been seen before.

The historic and immaculatelykept goods trains will be in operation for visitors to admire between the line's regular passenger services.

The locomotives in action over the weekend will be Stepney, Fenchurch and Eddystone.

The toy and rail collectors' fair at Horsted Keynes Station on Sunday, April 22, from 10am, will be just the ticket for toy and model enthusiasts with railway artefacts, and model railway equipment to be found.

The carriage shop will be open with a wide range of books, paperwork, timetables and small relics.

On April 22, the East Grinstead vintage bus day will be taking place with organisers Country Bus Rallies running services on preserved green London Transport buses, mainly from the 1950s and 1960s.

Website: www.bluebell-railway.

co.uk The Bluebell's fish and chips evening special will be running on Friday, April 27, and Friday, May 25. Booking essential.

The lineside's spring colours, especially the swathes of bluebells, will be dazzling visitors aboard the Bluebell's observation car specials on May 1,2,3,8,9 and 10.

The Southern At War weekend, offering steam lovers the chance to turn back the clock to the days of the Second World War with soldiers, military vehicles, displays and concert parties, will be held on Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13.

Details on 01825 720825.

Website: www.bluebell-railway.co.uk