ONE of Somerset's major tourist attractions -- the West Somerset Railway -- steamed to a record success in 2003.

Figures released this week show that Britain's longest heritage line, which runs from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, carried a total of 187,201 passengers last year, compared with 172,457 in 2002, also a record year.

The 15,000 extra passengers represents three times the increase WSR bosses had predicted.

Managing director Mark Smith was delighted with the success, which follows the WSR attracting its three millionth passenger just after Christmas.

Mr Smith said the increase was due to a number of factors:

More trains now running over more days -- 260 days in 2003 compared to 220 the previous year.

New attractions, including 'high interest' engines.

Effective marketing and promotion.

Additional specialist themed events.

The railway, which last year had a £2m turnover, now closes for just 10 weeks a year.

The WSR employs 28 permanent staff, with the workforce rising to 40 in the summer, making it a significant player in the West Somerset economy.

But it also relies heavily on its team of around 600 volunteers.

It ploughs any profits back into reinvestment in the line, rolling stock and buildings and plans include improving signalling along the route and the installation of new track at Minehead -- all aimed at increasing the railway's overall capacity.