THE Post has once again teamed up with the Launceston Steam Railway to offer a special half-term deal for readers.

The railway runs for two-and-a-half miles along the beautiful and unspoilt Kensey Valley, and with the summer temperatures lasting well into October, it looks as if the autumn colours this year will be really spectacular.

Railways have played an important part in society for nearly two hundred years. One hundred years ago, they were involved in the massive logistics operations of World War One, not just in this country, but also abroad. Narrow gauge lines were relatively easy to lay and move, and hundreds of miles of lines were laid.

This period of railway history has not been well recorded previously, but now local author Andrew Roden has written a very detailed book about the men, locomotives and tracks that took the armies to war. Trains to the Trenches looks at the stories of these railways from both sides of the conflict, and the book is to receive its national launch at the Launceston Steam Railway on the first Sunday of half-term — October 26.

Next week the Post will be printing a voucher, entitling the holder to generous discounts on tickets, which are valid for travel all day. The café, shop and museum will all be open, and for those thinking of Christmas gifts for enthusiasts, this is the last chance to shop locally for railway books, DVDs and related items.