FOUR new vice presidents are climbing on board the Severn Valley Railway.

Severn Valley Railway Holdings board of directors has announced the quartet will be joining the five vice presidents currently in post in its Golden Jubilee Year. All have played a significant part in the SVR's history.

David Owen is a long standing director of the Holdings Board. He joined the the board in 1984, chaired the Plc from 1989 to 1993 and his family business supported the complete refurbishment of bridges to ensure the reopening of the railway.

Phil Swallow is a long time supporter of the SVR, whose work behind the scenes has proved very important to the railway. Particularly through the flood damage repair of 2007 and his business knowledge and contacts have proved extremely helpful.

David Williams was involved in the early days of the Railway, joining the Severn Valley Railway Society in 1966. He has been editor of the Severn Valley Railway News for more than 48 years and is an author in his own right. He provides invaluable knowledge on the history of the Severn Valley Railway and rolling stock. He is also chairman of the Guarantee Company and a director of the Holdings Plc.

Finally, Mick York joined the railway in 1966. While working on the footplate he put himself forward as a Holdings director and was elected chairman in 1993 and 1999, holding this position for more than 15 years in total. Mr York, who will continue as a director, has been chief organiser of the 2015 celebrations and has successfully co-ordinated royal visits to the railway, which will include the Princess Royal's visit on April 13.

The new recruits join existing vice presidents The Earl of Lindsay, John Cameron, David Hallam, Sir Peter Luff MP and David Morgan

SVR general manager, Nick Ralls, said: “We are delighted to formally recognise the long-standing and unstinting support for the railway demonstrated by all four gentlemen in appointing them as vice presidents in this most special year for us.”