A series of special events is being organised this year to celebrate the 150th anniversary of The Heart of Wales Line, which is one of the most scenic railways in the UK, stretching 120 miles from Shrewsbury in Shropshire to Swansea on the South Wales coast.

Crossing two impressive viaducts (at Cynghordy and Knucklas), the line passes through the Welsh Marches and takes in historic castles, idyllic villages, Victorian spa towns and Offa’s Dyke.

The Heart of Wales Line Development Co (www.heart-of-wales.co.uk)— a Community Rail Partnership — is organising a series of events, including a small touring exhibition.

Special 150th-birthday timetables, which have been sponsored by Network Rail Wales, will be given away.

Development manager Rachel Francis said: “The idea is to generally raise the profile of the line, because we think it is one of the last proper rural lines left — and a national treasure.”