A FREE event is scheduled to take place at Llandovery Railway Station to mark the 150th birthday of the Heart of Wales Line.

The line, which runs from Shropshire to Llanelli via several stations in the Towy and Amman Valleys, was first opened in 1868.

The railway line was built to transport coal from the deep coal mines in the Welsh valleys up North to the burgeoning factories of the industrial revolution.

On Sunday, July 1, Friends of Llandovery Station are holding an open day celebration at the station in the Station Cafe to mark the occasion.

Joan Snaith, one of the organisers of the event, said: "We would like it to be a great day out for everyone.

"We are delighted to have the Llandovery Primary School Choir and the Llandovery Male Voice Choir performing at the event.

"Historically the Llandovery Male Voice Choir was connected to the line, it was a railway choir."

The day will include the chance to have your railway memorabilia valued by renowned TV expert, Paul Atterbury, as well as performance from various choirs.

There will also be a discussion on the history of the line, and an indoor modern railway display.

The Heart of Wales Line development company will be bringing their brand new exhibition about the past present and future of the line and will be giving out special 150th timetables.

Rachel Francis, manager of the company, said: "The Heart of Wales Line serves a large number of communities and provides an important public transport spine across this region.

"It has become a firm favourite with tourists who love the scenery and crossing the viaducts at Cynghordy and further north at Knucklas.

"Llandovery has always been an important station for this railway line.

"This event is a chance to not only celebrate a the railway's history, but also its future."

Entry to the event is free, but programmes will be on sale on the day which will provide entry to the talks.

For more information, fliers can be collected from Llandovery Station Cafe.