The Asparagus Express will return on St George's Day.

Kicking off the British Asparagus Festival, the Express will collect the first hundred-round of Vale Asparagus and transport it through the Cotswold countryside on April 23.

The voyage starts at the Broadway station towards Cheltenham Racecourse, with a lively classic car gathering at the Fleece Inn, Bretforton, from 9.30am before the train departs Broadway at 11.35am.

Catherine Johnson, marketing manager of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (GWSR), enthusiastically shared: "The GWSR is thrilled to be involved in this fantastic event, celebrating the beautiful asparagus our region grows – it is great to be involved in the transportation of this on our fantastic locomotive and supporting National Star is an added bonus.

“In the past, asparagus was transported to market over our railway from the Vale of Evesham so we are turning the clock back.”

This year's freshly harvested asparagus will be donated to the Cheltenham-based charity National Star, whose students will expertly transform the asparagus into delicious dishes for the StarBistro.

National Star chief executive Lynette Barrett explained: “Preparing young people with disabilities for adulthood is what National Star is all about.

"An important part of that preparation is learning about healthy eating, understanding the importance of local seasonal food and of course how to prepare balanced and tasty meals."

“We are thrilled that the British Asparagus Festival has chosen StarBistro at National Star as the final home for the first hundred-round of Vale Asparagus.

"National Star students will be at the ready to transform the asparagus into delicious soup and then enjoy their efforts!”

Seats are available for The Asparagus Express, with a 5 per cent discount for online bookings in advance via the GWSR website. This ticket only covers the Broadway to Cheltenham (return) steam train ride.

The British Asparagus Festival is a renowned celebration of the Vale of Evesham's most famous produce. St. George’s Day has long marked the start of British Asparagus Season, thanks to this unique event.

The Vale of Evesham, often referred to as the UK’s fruit and vegetable basket, is celebrated for producing some of the finest asparagus in the world.