The first steam train since the early 1960s is set to visit a long-closed Suffolk branch line next year.
The Aldeburgh branch was closed as a result of the Beeching report in 1966, but the section from Saxmundham to Sizewell siding remained open for nuclear flask trains to Sizewell.
It was also used to bring in materials when Sizewell B was being built in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
It is now little-used but remains open for freight trains when needed to serve the power stations – and next April will play host to the Mayflower locomotive pulling a steam special from London.
It is being run by Ipswich-based charity Railtours and the train will also visit Griffin Wharf in Ipswich and Harwich Town. It will start and finish in Ealing in West London – but will also visit Liverpool Street station.
Tickets are going fast for the April 14 trip raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
It will be the second charity railtour in the region in a few months – next month Greater Anglia is running a diesel-powered tour for East Anglia’s Chidren’s Hospices (EACH).
The tour, on September 16, will start and finish at Norwich and will travel to Ely and back before travelling down the main line to London Liverpool Street and back.
It will feature two modern Class 68 diesels that have been used on services between Norwich and Lowestoft for several months – but which are due to leave the region in September.
Jonathan Denby, head of corporate affairs for Greater Anglia, said: “We’re delighted to be running this special Class 68 railtour to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
“Taking in two routes on which the Class 68 locomotives haven’t been operating passenger services, we hope it will be very popular and generate an impressive contribution to EACH funds. ”
Graham Butland, EACH chief executive, said: “We’re thrilled this second special charter train will benefit EACH. It’s a wonderful opportunity for rail enthusiasts to travel behind these locomotives before they leave East Anglia, while also supporting local families. We’re very grateful to Greater Anglia for their generosity and support.”
Tickets cost £60 and £95 for first class and can only be booked through here
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