JUBILEE celebrations have begun for the beloved ‘Noddy train’, which has been ferrying carriages of people between Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Spit for the past 50 years.

The land train, which first began operations on April 1 1968 was owned by the Faris family up until Joyce Faris’s retirement in 2015 when it was subsequently purchased by Bournemouth Borough Council.

Visitors to train have been sharing their fond memories of the transport, including swimming teacher and mum of three, Karen Taylor. “I love the land train. I have so many fond memories.

"One time when I was little we were on the train, and mums dog jumped off and we had to jump off and chase him.

"Even on rainy days like today we’d always get a closed cabin and hope we didn’t have to get in an open one”

“I even signed the petition to keep it when it was at risk of being gone forever”

Other train enthusiasts include Liz Brown and her family.

“It’s good for the little ones because they get tired quite quickly. It’s so nice in the summer to relax for a little bit on the train,” they said.

“It’s a very good idea; it’s quite a step from Hengistbury Head to Mudeford, so it’s so handy to have this.”

Land train guard, Caroline Williams said: “I’ve been working here for the past 18 years, so we have always enjoys the land train and its services. I’ve got fond memories myself. It’s good to have it here; it’s always been good family fun!”

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the train, Hengistbury Head visitor’s centre has an exhibition to show the history of the land train, including the original contract, photos of vandalism, and a full list of land train drivers.

The exhibition runs until August 5.