ALMOST 300 passengers took a ride from Okehampton on a special train journey to Weymouth — highlighting the potential value of a permanent connection between West Devon and the national rail network.

Community-led OkeRail ran the ‘Okehampton Castle’ on a round-trip to Dorset on Saturday (September 14), in partnership with GWR.

Passengers from Okehampton, Hatherleigh, Holsworthy, Launceston and Bude were among those who bought a ticket to ride. The day trip began with an official ceremony to name the train and unveil its plaque.

Regular trains run from Okehampton to Exeter in summer months and talks have been underway for years to reinstate the line as part of the national rail network.

Central Devon MP, Mel Stride, announced last week that he had a ‘positive’ meeting with the secretary of state for transport, Grant Shapps, to discuss the proposal.

Devon County Councillor for Okehampton Rural Kevin Ball, who was among the passengers aboard the ‘Okehampton Castle’ on its special run, said it had served to highlight the potential value of a permanent rail link for the West Devon economy’s growth.

He said:‘The key purpose besides showing off the new name plates, was to demonstrate what can happen when we have the service reinstated.

‘It isn’t just about Okehampton and Exeter. The passenger service would open up the whole network to those living locally.

‘If you look at any reinstatement of a railway line, economic regeneration always follows. This service would not only help Okehampton but the wider area.’