THE Hengistbury Head land train is back up and running after months of problems.

Services were halted in October last year after a cyclist was injured when two carriages broke loose from one of the trains.

Since then a Health and Safety Executive investigation has been under way and the traditional, green trains have been unable to operate.

In late May this year BCP Council introduced a temporary service using one of the smaller seafront trains in time for the school half term holiday.

At the time, a council spokesman said: "Summer is fast approaching, and due to the ongoing Health and Safety Executive investigation that led to the withdrawal of the traditional Hengistbury land trains, we will be introducing an interim train service using a different style of train."

But within weeks it had again been suspended due to staffing problems.

Ed Alexander, planning and contract manager, environment, BCP Council said: "The temporary land train service requires Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licensed drivers and none of the existing staff held this class of licence.

"After the service was successfully started in time for the May half term, both of our PCV drivers unfortunately had to leave for personal reasons during the week of June 17.

"While the train service was unable to operate, we did run a mini bus for those who wished assistance to travel. Once we were aware of the driver shortage, we immediately re-advertised the vacancies and have taken on two more drivers."

He said the intention is to continue the service without a break throughout the summer but said any further updates would be posted on the Hengistbury head Land Train Facebook page.

The land train, which operates between the Hungry Hiker Cafe and Mudeford Sandbank, is a popular feature at Hengistbury Head and attracts thousands of people every year. It usually operates all year round.

A woman in her 60s was injured during the October accident and Dorset Police carried out an investigation, as well as the health and Safety Executive.

There were no passengers on the train at the time of the incident.

Mr Alexander declined to comment on the incident and added: "The Health and Safety Executive investigation is ongoing and it would therefore not be appropriate to comment further at this time."

Until the outcome of the investigation, it will not be known if the old-style trains can be introduced in the future.