The Avon Valley Railway is to schedule more diesel-powered rail trips on its line at Bitton Railway Station.

The Class 107 multiple diesel unit (DMU) made its debut at a gala event at the station last year.

The DMU was used for a series of scheduled services during the school break this week and the trips proved such a success more are planned.

David Cole, development manager for the Avon Valley Railway, said: "It's certainly not our intention to replace regular steam- hauled services with diesel.

"However, the DMU will provide an interesting service into the Avon Valley as passengers at the front of the train will sit behind the driver and have the opportunity to see where they are going."

The Class 107 DMUs were introduced following the demise of steam locomotives in the 1960. The restored example at Bitton dates from 1961 and was originally in service at Hamilton in Scotland on the South Clyde service.

They were known as the Derby heavyweights because of their robust steel construction.

The Bitton station is hosting a Steam and Cuisine special steam day on Mothering Sunday on March 22