Heritage railway helps dogs make vets appointment

An oil spill which closed a busy route has forced two dogs and their owner to find an alternative route to their vets appointment.

The A39 in Washford, Somerset, was closed on Tuesday after a van and lorry collided and emergency services worked to contain a fuel leak.

Instead of battling the busy, narrow, twisting back roads on the outskirts of Exmoor to visit the vets in Minehead, Christopher Wade decided to hop on the heritage steam railway to complete their journey from Watchet.

Mr Wade said golden retrievers Henry and Daisy "loved" their trip on the West Somerset Railway, and he felt "smug" to be able to avoid the road closures and make their appointment.

The West Somerset Railway is the longest operating heritage train line in the country, and runs between Minehead and Bishop's Lydeard.

Mr Wade said he has an annual pass for the line, due to his sister-in-law's passion for railways.

"It was late - because of the road closure, and the station was heaving."

He said the area is lucky to have the service - despite it only being a tourist attraction.

"We don't have motorways and when the roads get moored up, there's no easy way around just to get to Minehead you've got to go up and over Dunster - no thanks."

Mr Wade said while the dogs were only collecting their medicines, they also got a walk around the station at Minehead - and travelled home in style.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.