Network Rail has been working to keep a heritage railway line weed-free.

A Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) was deployed to treat the weeds around Swanage Railway - a railway branch line from near Wareham to Swanage.

The vehicle usually consists of a two-vehicle train which can be adapted to meet the requirements of the railway. It can often be seen equipped with high pressure water jets to blast leaves off the lines in autumn and de-icing the conductor rail in winter. 

The MPV, operating out of Totton depot travelled down the South West Main Line via Wareham to the Swanage Railway to treat the line.

This enabled Swanage Railway to efficiently treat and kill weeds growing along the five and a half miles of line, helping keep this heritage line free from weeds and running reliably for the thousands of visitors it welcomes each year.

It came about through cooperation between Network Rail, Balfour Beatty and the Swanage Railway as part of a commitment to support this historic line.

Gavin Johns, Swanage Railway Company chairman said: "Maintaining our track in a safe and useable condition is essential for our nine-mile heritage line.

"The MPV enabled the whole of the Swanage Railway to be treated in a few hours in a very effective and efficient way."