Suffolk MP Dr Dan Poulter couldn’t resist the opportunity to get behind the controls of a steam locomotive as the Mid Suffolk Light Railway showed itself off to launch its 2014 season.

The Middy – Suffolk’s only standard gauge steam railway – has been running steam trains on a 400-metre stretch of track at Wetheringsett since 2002.

Now it is hoping to expand over the next few years and invited councillors, tourist managers, and Dr Poulter to a special open event to show its progress.

The heritage line recreates the light railway that ran from Haughley Junction to a field at Cratfield until it was closed in 1952.

Dr Poulter was shown the footplate of its resident locomotive “Wissington” which was pulling two historic carriages that have been lovingly restored.

The MP welcomed the development of the line and said it should provide a welcome boost to tourism in the area.