THOUSANDS turned up to watch a slice of railway history as the first steam train in 42 years made the trip from London to Swanage.

The 11-coach Dorset Coast Express, hauled by 1940s-built engine Tangmere, carried some 400 people from the capital to the coastal town on Saturday.

Spectators and train enthusiasts keen to catch a glimpse of this rarest of sights thronged the route at crossings and stations, including Bournemouth, Poole, Wareham and Corfe Castle.

And a 1,000-strong crowd welcomed her home with cheers and applause at a packed Swanage station at 1.17pm – just two minutes late after a journey of more than five-hours.

It was a poignant moment for the Swanage Railway volunteers who rebuilt the track after it was ripped up and the branch closed in 1972. They have battled ever since to re-establish a regular train service to the town.

Swanage Railway Trust chairman Mike Whitwam said: “It was very emotional – I had a lump in my throat and I think a lot of people did – and it would never have been achieved without the volunteers over the years – it was a moment of elation.

“There was a huge throng of people around the steam engine – I’ve never seen so many people with cameras – there was a fantastic atmosphere. This was the most momentous occasion for the railway since January 1 1972 when British Rail closed it.”

Last month the first diesel train made the trip from London to Swanage in 37 years, and weeks later transport minister Lord Adonis gave his backing to the re-opening of the rail link to the town.

Mr Whitwam added: “We have proved to the outside world we’re in business here, we’re ready for it – all we need now is the funding.”

And the magical sight is set to be repeated today with Tangmere pulling the Dorset Coast Express from Swanage to Waterloo.

Pop supremo and steam train buff Pete Waterman watched the arrival, and signed copies of his new book, A Train is for Life, at the Swanage Station shop.