People came from miles around to see the old Somerset and Dorset come alive again in Midsomer Norton with locomotive British Rail Standard 2-6-4T pulling British Railway Mk1 coaches from the sixties.

The Standard 4 Locomotive has been restored by the Standard 4 Project, based at the Llangollen Railway on the River Dee. It was the last of the fourteen class members to leave Barry in 1988, and was fully restored by 2009. It has been renumbered for its sojourn at the Somerset and Dorset Heritage Railway at Midsomer Norton to re-create the last train on the Somerset and Dorset line.

Volunteers have been working hard at the station, restoring the British Second Class corridor coaches to take passengers, one of which has been adapted to take passengers with a disability. Passengers and their Care Support staff were delighted to be able to travel in their wheelchairs on the train last weekend with the help of station staff and specially adapted ramps.

Trustee and Fireman, Stephen Lacey, has been very encouraged by the enthusiasm of visitors. He said: “Last weekend we had a very steady flow of passengers, and another first was achieved where we were able to provide access for disabled visitors in the refurbished section of the Brake Coach. A review was left by one of the Support Care Staff on our Facebook page and it shows huge gratification to our staff and volunteers during the visit."

The locomotive was renumbered 80041 and carried a wreath as a tribute to ex-S&D driver, Ian Bunnett, who died last week, as that was his favourite engine. Other ex-S&D members were also visiting the station last weekend. Included in the special guests were Chairman of B&NES Council, Alan Hale, and MP, Jacob Rees Mogg and his family. The last train of the day was a recreation of the last train on the line in 1966.

This weekend, Saturday, 17th and Sunday, 18th September will be another opportunity to travel behind the steam locomotive before it returns to the Llangollen Railway. Ex-S&D fireman, Geoff Akers, will be driving, and Stephen Lacey will be firing on the Sunday.

There will be parking at Norton Hill School on the Saturdays, otherwise visitors can use the town car parks. The vintage buses will be available for ’park and ride’ from town car parks and the Green Goddess Fire Engine will also be on site. The station buildings and shop, museum, gardens and buffet car will be open for visitors to make a day of it and finish up with a ride on the train.

If you would like to become a volunteer at the station, speak to anyone at the station over the weekend or readers send an email to: [email protected] or phone: 01761 411221 on a Monday or Sunday.