World Heritage Status and high-value Euros mean a top Cumbrian tourist attraction is expecting bumper demand for the rest of the summer holidays.

Leaders at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway believe that the Lake District's new profile - along with strong Euro to pound conversion rates - mean an influx of visitors.

The long narrow gauge railway is encouraging families to take advantage of a number of initiatives they have on, including "Kids Go Free" Fridays throughout the rest of this month as well as September 1.

The railway, which has its main stations at Ravenglass and Dalegarth, near Boot, has "plenty of fun and games planned over the coming weeks".

Visitors will be able to take in 14 miles of steam travel up and down the line with lots of beautiful scenery to admire.

Those visiting on Tuesdays during the school holidays can have their own thrill as mini shuttle rides by steam engine are being offered courtesy of the newly extended Ravenglass Railway Museum.

This gives visitors the relatively rare opportunity to be pulled by the loco Count Louis.

This loco has its own claim to fame as it is named after the railway enthusiast and racing driver who raced Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It was named in his honour after his tragic death when racing at Monza, aged just 29.

These mini shuttle trips are being offered free of charge, but donations to the Ravenglass Railway Museum, as a thank you, are welcomed.

Visitors to the railway may even get the chance to meet its mascot La’al Ratty.

Those who love dressing up can also head to the museum to try on some Victorian clothes to really appreciate what it would have been like to travel on the steam railway in its earliest years.

The railway was originally built in 1873 and commercially opened in May 1875 – right in the midst of Queen Victoria’s reign.

Marketing manager, Lisa Braithwaite, said: "We anticipate strong visitor numbers during the rest of the summer holidays, because of the unique factors that we have this year, both with the granting of World Heritage Site status and the economic situation.

"We have scheduled in some special treats to meet the needs of visitors travelling to see us throughout August and early September and are getting great feedback about our Kids Go Free offer."

* More information about the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is available from www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk.