TRAIN enthusiasts were treated to a host of classic diesel locomotives in Swanage this weekend.

Over 4,000 visitors enjoyed the 11th annual Swanage Diesel Gala and Dorset Beer Festival, making it the busiest in Swanage Railway’s history.

The three-day event saw 12 diesel locomotives hauling the trains with an intensive timetable operating from 8am until midnight on Saturday and 8am to 7pm on Sunday.

History was made on Thursday's preview day with the first ever visit from a classic 1960s west of England 'Warship' class locomotive.

This year's event made even more history with Class 40 locomotive 'Andania' hauling its first passenger train since being withdrawn from British Rail service more than 30 years ago.

The gala was also the first time that brake van rides and driver experience trains operated on the newly restored four-mile line from Norden to bridge No. 4 at the River Frome.

The bridge is within sight of Wareham and just half a mile short of the London to Weymouth main line.

It was also the first time that Class 33 No. 33 111 has hauled a passenger train between Norden, Furzebrook and the River Frome since September, 1971, when the classic Southern Region workhorse took the last 4TC 'push-pull' carriage set to Corfe Castle and Swanage on an enthusiasts' special.

Swanage Railway General Manager Matt Green said it had been a “fantastic” event.

“Over 4,000 visitors came to enjoy the gala this weekend. It was a special event as it was the first time the Warship visited the railway, and the Class 40 locomotive ran its first passenger train in over 30 years,” he said.

“Everyone had a really good time, and we had a lot of positive feedback. The trains were packed all weekend, and we were very lucky with the weather as well.”

He added: "We’re always on the lookout for something unique to draw people. A lot of hard work goes into preparing the event – not to mention staging it – and I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing such an enjoyable and evocative event to the rails."

The diesel gala was the first time that Class 20 No. 20 205 and Class 31 No. 31 162 hauled trains on the Swanage Railway.

As well as trains, visitors enjoyed a pint at the beer festival, which was located next to the restored Victorian goods shed at Corfe Castle Station.

Ale lovers were able to buy Swanage Railway's own 'Old Pusher', 'Regulator' and 'Swanage Pride' ales with the nearby free-admission good sheds museum, exhibition coach and cinema coach also open to the public during the event.