OKEHAMPTON Station had a very special visitor on September 6 — a 70000 Britannia steam locomotive.

The locomotive was the first new steam train built for the nationalised British Railways in 1951, and visited the Dartmoor Railway as part of the Atlantic Coast Express rail tour.

Many people turned out to see the train, and Peter Chapman, publicity officer for the Dartmoor Railway Supporters' Association, is excited about the future of the line: 'At the Dartmoor Railway Supporters' Association, we are looking forward to the exciting developments planned for the line and we are always looking for new volunteers to help us develop the railway.'

The future of the Dartmoor Railway is looking brighter than ever, with the proposed construction of the parkway rail station at the Opportunity Okehampton development site and extension of passenger services from Okehampton to Exeter which could be implemented as early as May 2012.

The DRSA is an all-volunteer group dedicated to helping run the Dartmoor Railway, with particular emphasis on the heritage operations on the line.

They are running regular heritage train services until Sunday October 30 between Okehampton and Meldon Quarry Station. Okehampton Station's buffet is open on Fridays from 10am to 4pm, and at weekends from 9am to 5pm. The buffet at Meldon Quarry is open from 11am to 4pm at weekends.

For more information on the DRSA or to find out how to become a volunteer call 01837 55164 or visit http://www.dartmoor-railway-sa.org">www.dartmoor-railway-sa.org