Visitors to a seaside carnival are being urged to let the train take the strain.

Swanage Railway volunteers are supporting the town’s regatta and carnival by running extra trains so visitors can leave their vehicles.

Throughout carnival week, which runs from Saturday, July 26 to Saturday, August 2, there are steam trains from Norden Park & Ride, Corfe Castle, Harman’s Cross and Herston Halt to Swanage every 40 minutes between 10am and 5.20pm.

And the special carnival week additional evening services mean that the last train departs Swanage at 11pm.

The 350-space Purbeck District Council Norden Park & Ride car park – next to the station – is open on the fireworks evenings on the Saturdays in carnival week as well as Wednesday, July 30, thanks to the support of Purbeck District Council.

Tickets giving unlimited evening train travel from 6pm cost £3.50 for adults and £2 for children, with a family ticket – covering two adults and three children costing £10 – while children under three travel free.

Swanage Railway general manager Richard Jones, pictured left, said: “We’re very proud to again support Swanage’s annual regatta and carnival week and our evening train service provides extra capacity.

“The three regatta and carnival evening fireworks displays are not to be missed and our evening train service from Norden, Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross delivers passengers into the centre of Swanage so there is no need to worry about the hassle of driving, parking and traffic congestion on local roads – helping visitors and residents.

“The final train departs Swanage at 11pm so people can enjoy it without having to rush back.”

Last year’s Swanage Regatta and Carnival raised £20,000 for good causes.