Kidderminster Worcestershire England United Kingdom - More than 211,000 people visited this Shropshire heritage attraction in 2013, exceeding the railway's forecast by more than 6,000 passengers.
 
It was an increase of nearly 9,000 on 2012's figures.
 
This has been attributed to a number of factors including a host of well-attended events and a bumper summer season.
 
The new-format family fun weekends attracted nearly 7,000 visitors and the Santa and festive season services attracted over 45,000 passengers in December.
 
The SVR also invested in a campaign to encourage families to spend a day out on the railway, including TV advertising for the first time since 2010.
 
The railway's Steam and Whistle Club, which featured a wide range of activities for children, returned as part of an enhanced programme of summer holiday activities.
 
It attracted up to 300 children daily and July and August figures showed a 14 percent increase on the same period in 2012.
 
SVR aims to extend the club this summer.
 
Clare Gibbard, SVR's marketing and communications manager, said:  "We are delighted to report a significant increase in passenger numbers during 2013. This is testament to the hard work of volunteers and staff in delivering an attractive events programme and impeccable service throughout the running season. It is encouraging to be welcoming so many new visitors to the SVR. We sold more than 500 annual family passes, demonstrating the appeal of the railway to a younger visitor."
 
The railway is now closed while maintenance work is carried out and will reopen during half term, 15 to 23 Feb 2014.
 
Families can now buy an annual family pass to kick start a year of great value visits to the railway.
 
The pass is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and admits two named adults and up to four children (conditions apply).
 
For more information about the railway and events taking place throughout the year, to book tickets, or buy an annual family pass, visit www.svr.co.uk or call (01299) 403816.
 
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