OFFICE workers from Network Rail got down and dirty this week when they spent a day helping Swindon and Cricklade Railway clear their tracks.

The volunteers, who all came from the HR & Resourcing team for Greater West, Crossrail, Western and Wales regions, contacted the charity to offer their assistance.

Michelle Toor, one of the Network Rail team of workers, said: “The Cricklade steam railway is a fantastic local attraction which relies solely on volunteers, and we were delighted to be able to support it and give something back to the local community.

“The work was tough but it was a thoroughly enjoyable day which gave us a small taste and a huge appreciation of what it’s like working out there all day.”

They spent their day clearing foliage away from the tracks to ensure the trains can run safely. All staff at Network Rail are offered five volunteer days a year to do community work for their chosen UK registered charity.

Swindon and Cricklade Railway, formed nearly 40 years ago and based at Blunsdon, is staffed entirely by volunteers who fundraise to keep it going. Help sometimes comes from local firms and recently Network Rail and Amey handed over redundant track from the improvement work at Gipsy Lane.

Last year they were dealt a devastating blow when their much-loved two car Thumper unit was torched by arsonists. Now they are working hard to restore a similar train that was donated in the wake of the fire.

This weekend the railway will be running a Halloween ghost train service over two nights between 6pm and 8.45pm.

Later, as the festive season approaches, their Santa Specials will run offering children the chance to ride a train to see Santa. Visit Swindon-cricklade-railway.org for details of services and tickets.