ANNIVERSARY celebrations for the opening of the Milford Haven railway line will kick off with an exhibition at the Milford Haven Town Council chamber at 10am, on Thursday, September 5.

The exhibition, which will include historic photos, flower displays, models, and children's artwork, will be open to the public until Saturday, September 7.

As part of the celebrations on September 7, Milford Haven Mayor Councillor Yvonne Southwell, other civic dignitaries, the town crier, and Milford Haven Town Band, will meet the Stratford Players, dressed in period costume, at Milford Haven train station where they will arrive by the service train at about 2.52pm.

The mayor will then unveil a stone to commemorate the event.

John Gale, who is helping to organise the festivities, said: "The connection of the town to the main South Wales Railway (GWR) at Johnston was a very important factor in the development of the town, especially with the opening of the docks and the build-up of the fishing industry."

He added: "We are very lucky today to have an excellent train service from Milford, but it is important to remember those who promoted the building of the line back in 1863."