Residents will have the chance to buy a commemorative plaque on the iconic Stanway Viaduct.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) has unveiled the new scheme as part of the viaduct's parapet stabilisation works, in which 240 stainless steel plates can be sponsored.

The commemorative plaques, to anyone who makes donations of £250 or more, will enable supporters to leave their mark on the region's most significant railway structure.

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The plaques are weather resistant, with personalised messages engraved in white against a blue background.

Messages could be to remember a loved one, record a memorable event, acknowledge someone's contribution to the railway, or even feature a short poem known as a quatrain.

In addition to the permanent plaque on the viaduct, donors will also receive a signed certificate featuring their chosen message and a duplicate plaque to keep.

Richard Johnson, GWSR PLC chairman, said: "Following the successful completion of Phase One of the viaduct work, I am delighted that we are able to offer these plaques for people to have a permanent acknowledgement on our railway.

"The donations will support the valuable on-going work to sustain our railway."

The funds raised from the initiative are expected to boost efforts to repair, maintain, and operate GWSR's infrastructure.

The process is being managed by volunteers to minimise costs.

The first batch of 60 plates is now available for dedication, open to the first 60 qualifying donations.

Potential donors can access the application process through the GWSR website, at https://www.gwsr.com/support-us/stanway-viaduct-commemorative-plaques.