THE owner of the beloved Hengistbury Head land train is hanging up her station master's hat and stepping into retirement.

Joyce Faris has decided to retire at the age of 90 after years of dedicated service to the popular 'Noddy Train', with hopes Bournemouth Council will take on the service.

Last year, Joyce, supported by thousands of people across the country, took on the council after they decided to bring the service in-house, ending the popular arrangements that had been in place for 45 years.

The initial decision sparked a public outcry, with more than 20,000 people signing an online petition, which eventually led to a new three-year agreement with Joyce.

But now, Joyce, with the full support of her family, has decided to step down.

The service was set up by her late husband Roger in 1968, to bring visitors between Mudeford Spit and Hengistbury Head car park by ‘land train’.

Joyce is also responsible for the Land Rover service for beach hut users.

She said: "The land train has been my life and I have enjoyed every day at the helm.

"I would like to express a huge thank you to my team of drivers, office staff and engineers who have supported me and worked very hard to bring our popular and well-loved service to our visitors.

"Following last year’s overwhelming public show of support for the train, I know how important it is to the local community and loyal families who have been returning to enjoy the service for decades.

"It is my wish that the council provides this much loved service in the future."

Michael Rowland, parks development manager, said; “We would like to say a huge thank you and offer our appreciation to Joyce and her family for their years of dedicated service at Hengistbury Head.

“We recognise the Hengistbury Head Land Train service is loved by many residents and visitors, and we understand the fondness that so many people have for the character of the current service.

“We understand it is the wish of Joyce and her family that the Land Train service continues under the management of the Council using the existing trains and we are currently in negotiations with the family on how we can take this forward.”