The Watercress Line is welcoming Somerset and Dorset (S&D) locomotives to its Autumn Steam Gala over three days, 1st to 3rd October, when the S&D Trust presents a fascinating insight into steam travel from the past.

Visitors can get on board at the popular attraction where a range of visiting and home fleet freight and passenger locomotives will be showcased. Passengers will be able to hop on and off the locomotives running between Alresford, Ropley, Medstead and Four Marks, and Alton stations every day.

The gala weekend will operate a varied timetable - featuring a glimpse of the Somerset and Dorset at work with both goods and passenger trains on Friday; a fun holiday trips theme for Saturday and the famous Pines Express as the focus for Sunday.

Locomotive highlights include the 34092 City of Wells, from East Lancs Railway, and the home fleet’s 53808 7F, courtesy of S&D Railway Trust, which was used for both goods trains and holiday excursions.

Another highlight of the gala will be the grand opening of the Watercress Line’s new museum in Alresford with some fascinating S&D Trust artefacts on show. Real ale fans are invited to join the Real Ale Train on Saturday evening - included in the Autumn Steam Gala ticket price.

Historic S&D wagons will be on display around the railway, there will be a display of shunting and brake van rides at Ropley, gift shops and plenty of refreshment stops along the way.

Booking Autumn Steam Gala tickets ahead online is advised and more information is available at www.watercressline.co.uk/autumn-steam-gala