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On April 1 2009, the Swanage Railway heritage line saw the first passenger train to run from London to the seaside town, via Wareham, since the Wareham to Swanage branch line closed in 1972.

The last British Rail train ran on the line on January 1 1972, and since then the aim of reopening of the line has been a labour of love for its many volunteers.

Over the years, they have worked hard to first relay the track, by hand, after it was ripped up within weeks of its closure, and thenΜύgo on to create the now thriving heritage steam railway that runs from Norden down to Swanage.

So for the Swanage Railway's volunteers, the passenger train from London is a huge achievement.

Chairman Mike Whitwam, Swanage Railway

'A momentous occasion'

Mike Whitwam, the Chairman of the Swanage Railway, says: "It's a momentous occasion, something that all the volunteers and the past pioneers have been waiting for all this time."

"We've been striving to do this for 37 years and many of the original members are unfortunately no longer with us and we have to think of those who did so much hard work in those early days.

"But I'm sure everyone will be out to welcome the train at Swanage [when it arrives]. It's a fantastic occasion."

Mike has been involved with the Swanage Railway for 12 years, and over that time he's seen six and half miles of track relaid, metre by metre, from Swanage through to the connection with Network Rail track, near Furzebrook; the refurbishment of the line's stations; and the creation of a new station at Norden where a Park and Ride facility helps reduce traffic congestion for people who would otherwise drive to Swanage.

On the platform at Swanage station

Regular services from Wareham?

In 2002 the final section of track between Norden and Wareham was reinstated - a move which made a full Wareham to Swanage service a stronger possibility. It's this that is the Swanage Railway's longer term aim.

Mike says: "We're hoping to do that around 2013. Network Rail [who manage the main line track] are resignalling the main line around that time and we hope that when they do they may be able to put additional signalling in for trains to come in and off the branch line [to Swanage] under normal signalling arrangements."

"The charter train on April 1 comes in on special instructions, and has to stop at junctions - it has to have hand signalling, until it gets to our part of the railway line."

The special service is the first of several this year, but Mike isn't alone in thinking there'd be a clear benefit in having a permanent restoration of train services to and from Wareham, connecting main line services to Swanage.

He believes a regular service would benefit local people, who would be re-connected to the main line for commuter and leisure purposes, and that it would also increase visitors to Swanage, while helping to reduce road congestion.

The view of Corfe Castle from the station

Corfe Castle

Mike's favourite part of the line is Corfe Castle, complete with views of the castle itself: "It's the jewel in the crown. The station has been restored to its former glory and has a huge amount of ambience.

"It really is something very special. It's my dream job, there's nothing I would rather do."

The Swanage Railway is always keen to hear from people interested in volunteering on the service. More information on the Swanage Railway service can be found on their website.