A STEAM train will once again run from London to Weymouth to mark the anniversary of the end of steam.

On July 9, 1967, the very last steam-hauled train pulled up at the capital's Waterloo station after a fast run from the seaside resort.

Now, 40 years on, steam train operator Cathedrals Express is recreating the route during a weekend of celebrations.

The Kinks single Waterloo Sunset was Number One when the last steam train ran from Weymouth to London. People turned out in their hundreds that day to witness the end of Britain's steam era.

Cathedrals Express has organised a whole weekend of steam-hauled excursions to mark the anniversary. The day trip from London to Weymouth on July 9 - dubbed 'Waterloo Sunrise' - will be the grand finale of the celebrations.

Graeme Bunker is chief executive of Steam Dreams, the company behind the 40th anniversary excursions.

He said: "Over the last few years steam has made a real comeback on the mainline. This is the fourth year that we have been coming to Weymouth and our customers are voting with their feet to support steam on the mainline.

"The evocative sights, sounds and smells of a steam train thundering through the countryside at up to 75mph brings back memories of a bygone era."

Mr Bunker said the 40th anniversary train to Weymouth - which is a sell-out - will be a 'very special occasion'.

The loco hauling the train on July 9 will be a Battle of Britain Class 34067 Tangmere, which was designed in 1945 by Oliver Bulleid.

Staff and passengers will be dressed in 1960s attire and the train will be themed to reflect the anniversary. For information call Steam Dreams on 01483 209888 or go to www.steamdreams.co.uk