RAIL campaigners are to mark 25 years of a rebuilt Dorset branch line with a steam train gala.

The event at the Swanage Railway will include appearances by ex-British Railway locomotives, freight trains and a classic vehicle rally.

Enthusiasts vowed to bring the Purbeck Line from Swanage to Wareham back to life when the track was pulled up in 1972.

Volunteers began relaying the track by hand and in the summer of 1979 the first passenger train was able to travel over a few hundred yards of line, with visitors paying just 10 pence for the ride.

The Swanage Railway has since made its mark in history with the track being extended to meet the main line and thousands of people from around the world signing up to support the project.

The steam gala tomorrow and Sunday will celebrate 25 years of the first passenger train running.

It will feature the latest Swanage locomotive to return to the rails after being restored, West Country class Bulleid Pacific No. 34038 Eddystone, plus two ex-BR Standard Class 4 tanks Nos. 80078 and 80104.

A special appearance will be made by 1897 Victoria designed M7 tank No. 30053, the only one of its kind left working in the world, which used to haul trains on the branch in the 1960s.

The M7 is due for a year-long overhaul so this will be the last chance to travel behind the engine for some time.

Trains will be running between Swanage and Norden park and ride stations every 35 minutes from 9.50am and there will be a special evening train to Corfe Castle.

The gala includes a classic vehicle rally next to Harmans Cross station staged by the Bournemouth and Poole Preservation Club.

Steam gala train tickets allowing all day travel and access to the vehicle rally are £10 for adults and £7 for children and senior citizens.

For more information calls the booking office on 01929 425800 or visit www.swanagerailway.co.uk