A PASSENGER train is set to run from London to Swanage for the first time in almost 40 years.

UK Railtours has announced it will run the Purbeck Pioneer on Wednesday, April 1, the first train to leave London for Swanage since the branch line was closed in 1972.

Swanage Railway Trust chairman, Mike Whitwam, said: “The running of the first passenger train from Wareham to Corfe Castle and Swanage is the achievement of a long-held and treasured dream by everyone involved with the Swanage Railway over more than 30 years.”

When the line was closed the track was ripped up and stations left to rot. But dedicated volunteers have restored it, making it a popular tourist attraction.

John Farrow, from UK Railtours, said: “This has been a long time coming, but all the pieces of the jigsaw have fallen into place and we’re ready to go.

“We felt it was a good idea to keep things robust and simple and run the first train on a date when there is no scheduled Swanage Railway train service.

“That way, we have the line all to ourselves, hence the choice of date just a few days before the railway begins running every day right through until autumn.”

Hauled by a Class 66 diesel loco, the train is set to leave London Victoria at about 9am and will run via Havant, Southampton, Bournemouth, Worgret Junction and Corfe Castle.

It will return via Southampton, Romsey and Basingstoke to London Waterloo.

For details visit past-timerail.co.uk or call 01543 411971.

UPDATE: THIS IS NOT AN APRIL FOOL

UK Railtours is set to run a special train from the capital to the seaside resort on April 1, the first time a passenger train will navigate the route since the branch line closed in 1972.

Martin Payne, commercial manager at the railway, told the Echo: "It's not an April Fool, it just happens to be that day. It will be fantastic for the town and for the railway.

"If it goes well and others planned for this year go well, then who knows what will happen about the (permanent) connection to Wareham."