The Swindon and Cricklade Railway has all the material it needs to extend its railway line to Cricklade.

But before it can install the new track, the rails must be moved from Didcot - and that will be an expensive effort.

The charity is seeking sponsors to help it pay for a specialist lorry to move the steel rail into place before the extension can be completed.

The lorry can collect and deliver two loads of 25 60ft lengths (250 yards) of rail in one day - but hiring it costs £1,000 per day.

Once all the rail, sleepers and fittings have been moved from Blunsdon to the railway, the charity's volunteers can install the rails using heavy machinery.

The charity hopes to mark its 40th anniversary by finally reaching the second town in its name.

It's looking for sponsors who will be prepared to donate £500 to cover one delivery.

In return, it will advertise a list of sponsors on the railway, in its quarterly magazine and on the website and Facebook pages.

Once the extension is done, it will publish a map, with each 250 yard section colour coded and attributed to the respective sponsor.

For more information, contact Bill Poling at billpo@virginmedia.com , call 01793 722594, or visit the Blunsdon station on a Wednesday or Saturday.

Donations should be sent c/o Russell Wear, Treasurer, Swindon and Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane, Swindon SN25 2DA, with a company logo or letterhead for the charity's sponsors list.