Trainspotters' farewell on tracks

Drivers are worried they will hit a mourner on the tracks

Mourners who secretly scatter the ashes of their trainspotting loved ones along a steam railway's tracks are being blamed for disrupting services.

The remains are being dumped along the Minehead to Bishops Lydeard line in Somerset without permission.

Mark Smith, of West Somerset Railway (WSR), said drivers had concerns about the number of unauthorised people on a line which offers an official service.

"It's not very nice if a volunteer gardener turns over granny's remains."

The WSR already offers rail fanatics the option of having their ashes thrown into the train's fire box, which then burn through the funnel and into the open air.

"For many years we've received requests from people who want to inter or dispose of ashes of the departed and we've actually dealt with that in a decent, reverent and orderly manner," said Mr Smith.

He called the practice of scattering ashes without permission "undignified and disrespectful".

"Our drivers are also worried about running somebody over. The last thing anyone wants is another dead body because they're trying to carry out the last wishes of a train enthusiast," he said.