4 September 2012 Last updated at 03:48 ET

Severn Valley Railway shares to go on sale

The attraction marked its 150th anniversary in May

A heritage railway line is hoping to raise £3m by offering people a chance to buy shares in the attraction.

The Severn Valley Railway, which runs between Shropshire and Worcestershire, said the money was needed for a "major investment" over the next 50 years.

It said it was looking at improving Bridgnorth station, including a new visitor centre, maintaining the tracks and training young people in traditional skills for the upkeep of the railway.

In May it marked its 150th anniversary.

The 16-mile railway runs from Bridgnorth in Shropshire to Kidderminster in Worcestershire and takes about 250,000 passengers a year.

Officials at the attraction said people would be able to buy shares, at a minimum investment of £100 each, from 1 October.

General manager Nick Ralls said shareholders would be given discounts and a say in the running of the railway.