A WEBCAM has been installed on top of a Swanage Railway signal box, enabling steam enthusiasts to watch historic trains with iconic views of Corfe Castle in the background.

The webcam, linked to the internet, has been installed at Corfe Castle signal box, and will ensure real-time footage is available online.

Swanage Railway volunteer porter John Hallett, who came up with the idea, said: “A webcam is a wonderful way for the Swanage Railway to engage with the public and enable everyone to enjoy the beauty of Corfe Castle station, and the historic medieval ruins, at any time of the day and any time of the year.

“Restored from a disused and boarded-up condition back in the early 1980s, Corfe Castle station is one of the most picturesque stations anywhere in the country with the dramatic castle ruins in the background and train movements in the foreground.”

The cost of obtaining and setting up the webcam was met by RailCam.org.uk, an organisation working to maintain webcams on railways around the country.

Swanage Railway general manager Richard Jones described the webcam at Corfe Castle as a “marvellous idea” and thanked John for seeing the opportunity.

He added: “While similar webcams on other preserved railways feature a series of updated stills, our new signalman’s view webcam features real-time footage of the station and passing steam trains with the castle ruins behind.

“I am sure that the footage will be of interest to many people around the country and indeed the world.

“If they’re not interested in our steam and diesel trains, they will marvel at the view of the historic castle ruins at any time of the day and through the changing seasons.”

Visit swanagerailway.co.uk to access the real-time webcam footage.