Mid Norfolk Railway steam trains return for coronation

With steam trains returning to the Mid-Norfolk Railway for the coronation weekend, a special Sunday afternoon tea train to mark the historic event provided plenty of smiles for around 50 passengers.

Graham Watts, commercial services volunteer manager, pours the bubbly for the passengers during the Mid Norfolk Railway coronation afternoon tea. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

The passengers were served their afternoon teas, food and bubbly at the tables of the open coaches.

Louise Dixon and Will Morley enjoy the Mid Norfolk Railway coronation afternoon tea. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

Combined with other passengers, who chose a day out at the railway, it proved to be an extra special "step back in time" with the train hauled by the British Railways Standard 4 Tank engine - harking back to the early 1960s with the maroon liveried coaches.

Passengers, from left, Lee Chapman, Alicia LaRosa, Karen Hubbard and Michael Hubbard, enjoy the Mid Norfolk Railway coronation afternoon tea. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

With the trains departing from Dereham station, they made a 12-mile round trip through the Norfolk countryside to Thuxton and back.

A spokesman for the Mid-Norfolk Railway said: "From a railway perspective the day went very well.

Margaret Kerrigan and Gary Hudson enjoy the Mid Norfolk Railway coronation afternoon tea. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

"The feedback from the passengers was they enjoyed themselves and we had a number of compliments on saying the food was the best they had ever had - which of course was very good to hear.

The Mid Norfolk Railway coronation afternoon tea. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

"The passengers dressed up and a number were wearing patriotic rosettes or other additions to celebrate the event.

"On our return to Dereham there were lots of happy people with smiling faces."

Graham Watts, commercial services volunteer manager, serves the coronation afternoon tea at the Mid Norfolk Railway to Steven Huxen. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

Next Sunday, a vintage bus day will be held at the Mid-Norfolk Railway, as around 30 modern and vintage buses and coaches will be on display at Dereham Railway Station, along with special free vintage bus rides on different routes.

A spokesman for the Mid-Norfolk Railway said: "Bookings are now being taken for our other Sunday afternoon teas - so guests can experience the pleasure of an afternoon tea on a heritage railway coach hauled by a steam train."

Full details of train times, tickets and other information are available via www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk