THE golden age of British travel is evoked by colourful railway posters due to be displayed at railway stations including Northwich and Lostock Gralam.

Between August 8 and September 3 the Lion Salt Works Museum will host a new exhibition of 14 1930s-style railway posters promoting the attractions of the Mid Cheshire Railway Line.

The posters have been produced by Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership and designed by artist Nicky Thompson.

They are intended to evoke the golden age of British travel and encourage holiday-makers in the north west and beyond to explore the sites of the region by rail.

There is no charge to see the exhibition and regular tours will take place. On Sunday, August 6 at 2.30pm there will be a public preview and talk about the artistic inspiration for the posters.

The posters are characterised by blocky, vibrant colours, and feature general scenes of cities such as Chester, Manchester and Stockport.

In addition, they capture interesting sites near rail stops - for instance, Lostock Gralam features the Lion Salt Works Museum and Northwich’s stop is illustrated by the Anderton Boat Lift.

Other posters include Delamere, Knutsford, Hale, Altrincham and Chester Zoo.

Cllr Louise Gittins said: “The railway posters of the 1930s hailed a new era of train travel, and this imaginative campaign featuring 14 railway stops on the Mid-Cheshire Railway Line hopes to trigger a similar reaction.

“This is a marvellous initiative and an excellent way of showcasing the beautiful attractions of the region.

“Not only can visitors view the exhibition free of charge at museum, but they can also buy copies of the posters and postcards.”

Sally Buttifant, Mid-Cheshire Community Rail Partnership Officer, said: “It’s easy when you’re on a train not to appreciate what lies just beyond the station.

“We hope this poster campaign will open people’s eyes and encourage them to step off the train and explore, like visitors did in the 1930s.

“Each station will feature its bright new poster, and we hope commuters and railgoers will be interested and pleased by these colourful additions to the stations.

“To encourage interest in the free exhibition at the museum postcards of the posters will also be handed out at stations.”

Posters will be available to buy at the museum in A3 and A2 size for £5 and £10 respectively. Postcards sets will also be available of 12 posters.