A dream has come true for a young boy from Stourport when he was treated to a VIP reception at the Severn Valley Railway during the autumn half-term holiday.

Eight-year-old Corey Clark was the guest of some of the heritage railway’s volunteers. They’d learnt about his fundraising work for the Food Share Wyre Forest Project, for which Corey undertook a 10-mile sponsored walk, raising £920. Severn Valley Railway volunteer, Amy Baker, said:

“We were really impressed when we heard what Corey has done to help his community and we knew that he’s completely fascinated with everything to do with railways. So, we thought this would be a really nice way of celebrating his achievement.”

Amy, and Tom Eades, another of the Railway’s young volunteers, took Corey and his family on a guided tour of Kidderminster station, where he got a peek inside the cab of a heritage diesel and stepped onto the footplate of a steam locomotive.

Corey even visited the signal box to see how this important aspect of the railway works. His Mum, Sara, added:

“Corey’s going to be talking about today for years to come. He’s already said he’d like to work for a railway when he grows up, and I know he’d love to volunteer as a junior for the SVR when he’s old enough.

“The Severn Valley is 100% a great place for kids. It’s so family-orientated, and everyone’s polite and kind. Just look at the smile on his face – it says everything doesn’t it?”

Corey, who has ADHD and autism, received a Thomas and Friends International Friendship Day Award earlier this year, in recognition of his fundraising work.

The Severn Valley Railway is preparing to launch its Christmas seasons of special events, which includes Santa Trains from Kidderminster, and both Steam in Lights and Enchanted Express which depart from Bridgnorth.

There’s more information and booking at svr.co.uk or phone 01562 757900.