AFTER a long restoration, a famous train will run in service for the first time in 65 years.

The 1941-built Andrew Barclay 0-6-0 saddletank “Swordfish” is to make its first public appearance this coming weekend, at the new Steam, Cider and Sausages event at Swindon and Cricklade Railway.

Swordfish owner, Mel Denton, said: “It has taken a long time to get Swordfish to this point, but, we were very thorough, wanting to get everything correct.

“We hope that Swordfish will now have a new lease of trouble-free running life.”

The inaugural Steam, Cider and Sausages event will offer a choice of five ciders and six different sausage flavours.

Payment for cider or sausages is separate to the train tickets prices, which are: adult £9, senior £8, child £6, family ticket (two adults and two children) £24.

It is hoped that the appearance of Swordfish for the first time, coupled to a new event, will bring new visitors to the railway, which is seeking to recover from the serious arson attack in late May.

This is the first event since the attack which saw three box wagons and a trailer unit of the diesel multiple unit, along with much signalling equipment destroyed.

For further details call 01793 771615 or visit swindon-cricklade-railway.org