WEYMOUTH now has its own railway train.

World Championship sailor Richard Glover unveiled the nameplate on the Destination Weymouth in a ceremony at the town's railway station.

South West Trains says the event was in recognition of Weymouth as a rising sports location, and host location for the Olympic sailing events in the games in 2012.

Former councillor Andy Hutchings, who campaigned for a train to be named after the town following the 150th anniversary of the railway coming to the resort in January, said: "It's a great day and most importantly the name will be seen from here to Waterloo and back. It will be a lasting reminder of the great town of Weymouth."

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland David Harris said: "The naming of the train will put Weymouth on the map."

Pupils from St John's School in Weymouth were among the first passengers on the train when they boarded it at Wool.

Teacher Liz Barnett said: "The train people have looked after us well and the kids have been excited for weeks. A lot of them have never been on a train before."

Jacob Bowyer, competition winner and student at St John's, joined gold medallist Richard Glover during the unveiling after winning a competition to draw a picture of a modern train.

A second ceremony sponsored by South West Trains and the Royal Yachting Association took place at Weymouth Pavilion when a dinghy was also given the name Destination Weymouth. It will be donated to Weymouth's Outdoor Education Centre to give local children a chance to practise sailing.