PASSENGERS will be able to take a trip back in time on the Swanage Railway this weekend.

The 1970s Express live music steam train will be taking to the rails on Saturday evening to mark the 40th anniversary of the Swanage Railway.

There will be music from the decade that saw the railway controversially closed and its tracks lifted for scrap before a hard-fought campaign resulted in the line being slowly but steadily re-born.

Seven-piece band Blind Panic will be playing music sets from the period at Swanage, Harman’s Cross and Corfe Castle stations as the special train takes a leisurely trip through the Isle of Purbeck.

There will also be a prize up for grabs for the couple judged to have the best 1970s dress.

With a thirst-quenching bar service on board, the special 1970s-themed music train departs Swanage station at 7.30pm and returns to the seaside town, where the Swanage Railway was born 40 years ago, around 10.30pm.

Popular hits to be played during the evening will include music from super-band Abba as well as music from the hit 1970s film Grease.

Passengers can only board the special music train at Swanage station from 7.10pm where they will be greeted by music from Blind Panic.

The special fundraising event is being staged by a dedicated group of Swanage Railway volunteers, which maintains and develops Harman’s Cross station.

Swanage Railway general manager Matt Green said: “It’s going to be a very evocative and enjoyable event – and a very special one featuring hit music from 1970s that was the background to the decline, death and the remarkable re-birth of the Swanage Railway against all the odds.

“It’s not only a chance for people to come along and re-live the memorable music of the 1970s but also an opportunity for younger people to experience and enjoy the music from some 40 years ago for the first time.

“I’d like to thank the dedicated team of volunteers that has organised the event for their hard work.”

For tickets visit swanagerailway.co.uk or call 01929 425800.