Swanage Railway will be hosting a 'behind the scenes' weekend with the hope of encouraging more volunteers to help maintain the popular heritage line.

Members of the public are being invited to the community engagement weekend on February 11 and 12.

The Swanage Railway was rebuilt by volunteers in 1976 after the ten-mile line from Wareham to Swanage was closed by British Rail in 1972.

Volunteers have been vital to the operation of the railway, running and maintaining the line for more than 40 years.

Taking place between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, the two open days provide a chance for the public to go behind the scenes of the working heritage railway at Swanage and Corfe Castle stations.

The special weekend will include a chance for members of the public to step into the cabin and drive a 1950's locomotive at Swanage, or signal trains in the signal box museum at Corfe Castle.

Purbeck area residents with BH19 or BH20 postcodes will be able to purchase discounted Freedom of the Line train tickets at station ticket offices during the special weekend giving unlimited train travel on the day of purchase - £10 for adults and £5 for children.

Robert Patterson, the volunteer chair of the Swanage Railway Company - which runs the trains for the Swanage Railway Trust - said: “This is an exciting event to enable Purbeck residents enjoy 'their' railway at a heavily discounted price as well as being able to go behind the scenes to see what we do – and perhaps becoming a volunteer.

“We would not be able to run the Swanage Railway without our fantastic team of more than 400 volunteers who are responsible for everything from running trains, keeping our stations looking great to selling tickets and refreshments and much more,” added Robert who is a volunteer station porter.

Gavin Johns, Swanage Railway Trust volunteer chair, said: “Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the community and become involved in something rewarding, enjoyable, social and worthwhile. Swanage Railway volunteers don’t need to be train enthusiasts to enjoy themselves and we have a wide range of positions available.