Volunteers began restoring the railway in 1964

In 1964 a small band of volunteers began work on restoring the old Welsh Highland Railway at Porthmadog.

Volunteers now travel from across the UK to help run the trains.

It closed in the 1930s and although only a short section of track has so far been restored it attracts thousands of visitors each year.

I escape from work early, you've got to do something to keep your sanity and messing about on a railway is a pretty good form of fun Cedric Binns, volunteer

Commercial manger James Hewett said: "Some of us, since the 1960s, have been trying to rebuild the Welsh Highland Railway - it's probably the most special railway route in the whole country.

"Starting from nothing, we've built just under a mile of working railway and the extension we are working on will double that.

"We've restored steam engines and carriages from the railway.

"We want as many people as possible to come and see a railway which has its roots in the community."

He said the railway had a timeless appeal for all generations.

"A lot of people we get here have never been on a train at all let alone behind a steam locomotive or a vintage diesel so a lot of the children don't understand - they look for a steering wheel," added Mr Hewett.

To mark the occasion the railway's Gelert's Farm headquarters was opened to the public on the weekend.

There was a chance to drive one of the engines and anyone born in 1964 was allowed in for free.

Cedric Binns is a volunteer from Yorkshire who says the railway has a special place in his heart.

He travels 150 miles every few months to help out.

"I escape from work early, you've got to do something to keep your sanity and messing about on a railway is a pretty good form of fun.