THE first train of the new season has left Llangollen Railways Station.

Passengers set off from the station at 10.40am (Monday, February 18), with the heritage diesel railcar carrying families enjoying a half-term visit for a ride through the lovely Dee Valley to Carrog.

A spokesman said: "The passenger numbers on the first train were encouraging with several families travelling to take advantage of the half-term offer when first child goes free and second half fare when with a full fare paying adult.

"Trains in the second part of the week and at weekends will be with a steam engine."

The railcar offers best views of the line at this time of the year with its front and rear window positions, so passengers can see where they are going - or where they have been. They soon find out the line is neither straight or level as it climbs away into the hills alongside the river Dee.

The late winter sunshine enhanced the views of the valley with some trees and bushes showing the first signs of spring.

After some winter management of the lineside vegetation, improved views of the valley and its remoter areas have been opened up for passengers to enjoy the area of outstanding natural beauty.

At Carrog a 40-minute stop over allowed time for a hot drink in the station tearooms or a walk down the lane to Carrog bridge over the river Dee before joining the train back.

Others stayed until a later train taking the opportunity to walk a section of the Dee Valley Way. Three trains operated leaving Llangollen at 10.40 am, 1pm and 3.10pm.

Trains are currently terminating at Carrog while final arrangements are made for the opening of the new station at Corwen on a date later in 2019 when all the work is completed.

In an enhancement of the published timetable, during March Llangollen Railway will now offer railcar services during Tuesdays to Fridays to allow visitors to access the Dee Valley during the early spring when walks from and to intermediate stations can be undertaken.