OLDER readers may remember when it was possible to buy a return ticket for a train ride from Gloucester to Parkend.

But those far-off days will be recalled this weekend when a modern train makes the journey along the Severn and through the Forest, using the mainline connection at Lydney.

The Dean Forest Railway (DFR) is chartering a First Great Western Sprinter unit to transport 130 passengers. The fully-booked train leaves Gloucester at 10am on Saturday (March 22).

A DFR spokesman said: " The visiting train is certain to raise a few eyebrows as it passes through the level crossings along the route!

"It will certainly be the most modern passenger train on the line ever."

The modern train will remain on the heritage railway all day where it will join the DFR's own diesel multiple units.