FOR some, enjoying a cool pint of ale while looking at historic locomotives is about as perfect as it gets.

So it was good news for railway enthusiasts that Didcot Railway Centre have decided to mix the two as part of their bank holiday programme this year.

As well as holding their regular steam gala day, the centre opened up their bar as well with volunteer David Hunt one of those pouring the drinks.

And the weather has even been holding up for the three-day event, with hundreds of visitors getting the chance to see some vintage trains out in the sun.

The centre's commercial director Ann Middleton said: "This weekend has gone really well, we've done this for the last couple of years but this is the first time we've properly set it up as a ale festival too.

"We've bought in some guest locomotives and it means people can get up close and personal with these trains."

The centre will now be open daily until the middle of September, with passenger trains running at weekends.

Next weekend the staff will be holding a transport rally, with vintage buses, commercial vehicles and World War Two vehicles making an appearance.