Bishops Lydeard Somerset - A volunteer on the West Somerset Railway (WSR) has celebrated his 30th anniversary of becoming a passenger guard.
 
Phil Weaver, 53, born and raised in Porlock, has covered more than 100,000 miles in his time on the 20-mile line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, and looked after thousands of passengers, including royalty.
 
In 2002, he guarded the special train carrying the Duke of Edinburgh, who was en route to North Devon for the 50th anniversary of the Lynton and Lynmout flood disaster.
 
Phil has also made a number of appearances on both the small and silver screens as the train guard, including in the film "The Land Girls" starring Anna Friel, and has always had an interest in the railway.
 
He said, "I used to travel on the line with my grandmother when I was a boy, when it was owned by British Rail. We used to go from Dulverton to Taunton and have lunch at the Castle Hotel before heading back to Minehead. When the line closed down it was very sad, but then I heard about groups that were trying to keep it going, like the WSR. I was one of the first 200 members, my membership number was 190 if I remember correctly. In 1979-1980 I came and helped when they were going through some difficult times. A lot of people put in a lot of hard work to keep it going and I wish they could see it now. I don't know where the last 30 years have gone! I have had some really good times. I was honoured to be asked to conduct the royal train, and it's interesting to be involved with films and television programs, but every passenger is important to me. You have to be aware of everyone's needs and safety is a priority."
 
Hannah Green.