Ever wanted to experience being a real-life Wickham trolley driver? Well now you can at Somerset and Dorset Railway as their popular Wickham Wednesdays returns next week.

Loco-obsessed Metro Mayor Dan Norris will officially launch a season of fun as he hops aboard and takes a ride in the famous Midsomer Norton vehicle this coming Wednesday afternoon.

The Metro Mayor who is encouraging local people to rediscover our region this summer, will travel the full length of the Somerset and Dorset Railway operating line and see how everyone can enjoy a great day out. With over a mile of stunning countryside, and challenging gradients, there is something for everyone from the novice to the experienced enthusiast. The Mayor will also get a unique view of the impressive restoration of the historic station building.

Before officially launching the 'trif-ic' trolley rides running from this Wednesday 27 July to Wednesday 26 October by tootling along towards Chilcompton and back again, the Mayor will with Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust Chair Stephen Lacey.

They will discuss how local attractions, including 'hidden gems' like the painstakingly restored Victorian railway station, are vital to the region's overall tourism economy.

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: "Summer is upon us, and what better way to spend it than taking part in some trif-ic trolly fun at a charming and charismatic railway with a remarkable history. We've got ships, planes and trains galore in the West of England. Whether its the SS Great Britain in Bristol, Concorde in Patchway, and, of course, Somerset and Dorset railway here in Midsomer Norton, there's so much to explore. Charming scenery and friendly people, Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust is a super day out for visitors of all ages. I can think of no better place for West of Englanders to explore local".