THE team at the Dartmoor Railway has been praised for putting together a unique family birthday celebration recently.

The Osborne family from Okehampton contacted the railway about the possibility of holding a birthday party to celebrate three birthdays in the family —a joint 30th, 60th and 85th party. It was the first time the Dartmoor Railway had thrown such a party.

The guests travelled in two first class coaches formerly used on London to Scotland services. They were hauled by an ex-British Rail 120 tonne, 2500 hp Class 47 Diesel locomotive, the largest resident locomotive on the Dartmoor Railway. This was its first public outing on the line after renovation work.

Family members from as far as Spain came to the party, which started at Okehampton Station with champagne before boarding a train to Meldon, returning to Okehampton and then heading to Bow. Aboard the train the guests were served drinks, enjoyed a buffet and were entertained by singing minstrels.

Despite it being the first time the railway had thrown such a party, it seems the team rose to the occasion.

Barbara Osborne, who was celebrating her 60th birthday at the event, said: 'The Dartmoor Railway staff and volunteers threw themselves so completely into making our evening a success. We had a red carpet to board the train, and the buffet was excellent.

'There were waiters who knew how to walk down a moving train with a tray of drinks, unlike some of our family. An unexpected ticket inspector and a singing barman entertained us while the musicians were in the other carriage.

'The whole team, including the catering team, engineers and train drivers worked their socks off to make sure we had a fabulous night, and we can't thank them enough.'

Peter Chapman from the Dartmoor Railway said: 'It seemed to be a very successful night, and we've already taken a booking for another party in the New Year.

'As long as it doesn't conflict with other services, it's something we're looking at doing a bit more of, and give people a fun party that's a bit different.'

Anyone wishing to hire a similar train should contact Okehampton Station on 01837 55164.