The scenic steam operated SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY will be marking the 40th anniversary of its reopening way back in 1969 with a bargain Spring "half fare" weekend on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March.

Passengers will be able to cast off the Winter and credit crunch blues and enjoy a cut-price steam feast redolent of the end of the Golden Age of steam. No fewer than nine trains will be running on both days over the pretty seven-mile line from Buckfastleigh to Totnes, and which will appeal to families and enthusiasts alike.

Countryside lovers will be able to see and enjoy some stunning Spring scenery from the comfort of the train as it meanders its leisurely way down one of Devon¿s most glorious valleys by the River Dart, and walkers can take advantage of some beautiful walks from stations too.

Coming just a few weeks before the railway's 40th anniversary celebrations from 5-13 April over the Easter break, the South Devon Railway always marks the start of each season with a special cut-price event to say "Thank You" to the line's many regular visitors, local people and volunteers, all of whom love the authentic recreation of the long gone but not forgotten Great Western Railway and BR Western Region steam eras.

And with all the recent financial doom and gloom on the money markets, the timing of the regular event is ideal for cash-conscious families as fares will be at half-price. All fares on both days will be at half-price, so an adult round trip will cost just £4.90; a child return (ages 5-14) will be £2.90; Under fives go free.

The first train leaves from Buckfastleigh at 10.00am and from Totnes (Littlehempston) at 10.45am. Trains will leave both stations at about 45 minute intervals on both days.

Commenting on the "half-fare" weekend, South Devon Railway General Manager Richard Elliott, who retires at the end of the month, said: "2009 is going to be a really big and memorable year for me and everyone who loves this railway, marking the 40th anniversary since we re-opened in April 1969 and the start of the heritage railway business on privately run lines in the West Country.

"We run our half fare weekends at the start and end of every main running season, but the timing of this year's event is going to be an added bonus for many local people who are already feeling the bite of the credit crunch and are looking for a great value for money treat.

"There are some superb views of the lovely valley of the Dart to be had at this time of year, and there really is no better way to see them than from one of our relaxing steam trains. The line-side is at its best in the Spring with beautifully manicured banks and hundreds of primroses and wild daffodils.

"During a half-day or full day's outing, visitors can also travel by train to explore Totnes or view the friendly otters in the Butterfly Farm & Otter Sanctuary at Buckfastleigh which is also offering reduced entry over the weekend.

"We've always been true to our charitable roots by giving something back to our many friends and supporters every year, so our Spring half-fare day is just the ticket and always popular!

"For diehard railway enthusiasts that weekend, we'll be running both a Great Western era train with chocolate and cream coaches and a set of 1950's style BR crimson and cream coaches pulled by two former Great Western locos.

"After 18 years in charge, this will be my last big event on the SDR before I retire, so I'm hoping it will be a busy and enjoyable weekend for everyone and a nice end to being the railway's General Manager."

Volunteer workers are always being sought to help with the running of the railway and the South Devon Railway Association is holding a start-of-season recruitment drive over the weekend too. So, if anyone is interested in getting their hands dirty and helping to keep the railway's wheels turning, then they can just turn up and talk to some of the volunteers already helping run the SDR who can happily explain all of the jobs on offer and what's involved.

With ample car parking at Buckfastleigh on the A38 Devon Expressway, the South Devon Railway is just 25 minutes from Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay.

The South Devon Railway also features: An extensive museum, including Brunel's only surviving "broad gauge"engine, Newly refurbished and expanded Expressway model and gift shop, Riverside walks, a maze and children's play area, Newly refurbished "Refreshment Rooms", Picnic area and wooded parkland.

The South Devon Railway will be running trains EVERY day from the half price weekend on 21/22 March until the end of October. The Expressway model railway shop has gifts for children of all ages and is open for business on most days.