AN HISTORIC locomotive is set to pay a visit to Dorset this summer, it has been announced.

With restrictions easing, railway fans have been given something extra to look forward to as the 45596 Bahamas is due to visit the county.

The Railway Touring Company has announced that the historic locomotive, built in 1935, will visit the county on August 5.

Hauling the Dorset Coast Express out of London Victoria, the Bahamas will head South, picking up at Staines, Woking and Basingstoke and before visiting Bournemouth and Weymouth.

This journey is part of four dates that have been announced during a "busy summer of steam" with The Railway Touring Company teaming up with Bahamas' owners, the Bahamas Locomotive Society to run the events.

Bahamas will also head to Kent on July 22, departing from London Victoria and visiting Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate, Herne Bay, Canterbury and Faversham.

Bournemouth Echo: The 45596 Bahamas. Photo by: The Railway Touring CompanyThe 45596 Bahamas. Photo by: The Railway Touring Company

This is followed by a journey to Somerset on July 24, where the Bahamas will depart London Paddington, picking up at Slough, Reading and Newbury, on route for Minehead.

For its third outing Bahamas will join up with ‘The Royal Duchy’ special train on August 1 as it heads into Cornwall.

The Railway Touring Company’s MD Kelly Osborne, said: "We are very excited to have secured these dates with Bahamas. We look forward to working with the Bahamas crew to provide some great days out recreating the golden age of rail travel.

“Already a number of our steam excursions for this summer are full. After a very tough 15 months for the heritage rail industry, it’s tremendous to see such enthusiasm and support from people.”

Despite a late start to the steam season this year as steam days out cannot resume until after May 17, The Railway Touring Company has more than 50 steam specials scheduled for 2021 with locomotives including the Flying Scotsman, Alberta and Scots Guardsman.