ALL ABOARD- dates for the new summer service connecting Dorset towns and villages by rail have been confirmed.

As reported in the Echo, South West Trains will provide services linking the north of the county to Weymouth and Dorchester on Saturdays and bank holidays.

And the first service will run from May 21 with trains scheduled until September 3.

The new services will offer direct routes from Gillingham and Sherborne to both Weymouth and Dorchester.

South West Trains will also serve Maiden Newton, Chetnole, Yetminster and Thornford for the first time, whilst restoring a direct link between Maiden Newton and London Waterloo via Yeovil Junction.

It will mark the first time that trains have travelled directly between Maiden Newton and the capital since 1968.

Chris Loder, head of service strategy for South West Trains, said: "The summer special services will provide new services on the Heart of Wessex line – helping to support local communities, businesses and provide even better connectivity for local residents and visitors during the booming spring and summer months."

The initiative has received support from political figures in Weymouth, who approve of greater links between the north and south of the county.

Cllr Jason Osborne, tourism briefholder for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: "Anything that brings the county closer together through rail, bus or road is great, not just for the town but for the area as a whole because it makes everywhere more accessible."

Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, said: "I warmly welcome any idea which brings visitors to Weymouth.

"Seaside specials from the north of the county will give day trippers direct, traffic-free access to the centre of Weymouth.

"Once they have enjoyed the beautiful beaches, clear blue water and our great shops and restaurants, I’m sure they’ll be back.

"We hope that these specials will herald a new, more frequent rail service via Yeovil Junction to points beyond, including North Dorset, East Devon and London."

Cllr Osborne added that he would like to see the service expanded to connect the county throughout the year.

He said: "I would like to see them stick around, but I do appreciate that they are less profitable over the whole year and I would not like to see it dropped completely."

Tickets for the services are now on sale, with returns starting at £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

These latest proposals build on the improvements introduced in December which provided extra services and direct links between London Waterloo and stations including Yeovil Pen Mill, Castle Cary, Bruton and Frome.