A RAILWAY enthusiast has finished compiling the sixth book in a series focusing on a much loved South-West branch line.

Alan Hammond, in conjunction with his wife Christine, has released Heyday of the Somerset & Dorset Railway - a compilation of stories and fascinating photographs on the history of the railway line.

It features accounts of people who worked on the line, of children enjoying rides on the flootplate and of people who used it during their daily lives.

Prince Michael of Kent, a keen engine driver himself, has written an enjoyable foreword on why he is interested in Britain's railways, and includes contributions from Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis, singer Tony Christie, Procul Harum member Gary Brooker and an array of memories from those who have worked on the railways.

Some fantastic and memory-triggering photographs, really capturing the beauty of the county's countryside and the impressive steam engines that travelled through it, accompany the well-written stories.

For railway enthusiasts with a keen interest in Somerset railways, the Heyday of the Somerset & Dorset Railway is a must have for your collections and Alan Hammond's unrivalled interest in this method of transport in the area is evident throughout.