Twenty-five-thousand people have enjoyed travelling back through time with an attraction which changed travel in the district when it opened, last year.

The relentless efforts of a group of around 130 individuals have made it possible for families from all over the UK to come and enjoy the Epping Ongar Railway in the last 12 months.

Heritage trains and old fashioned buses not only give visitors the chance to appreciate old fashioned transport but allow a connection between North Weald and Epping for workers and shoppers.

General manager, Simon Hanney, said that positive reaction from the people of Epping Forest and visitors from afar has exceeded all of their expectations.

He said: “The idea initially came about in 2008 but we wanted to wait until everything was up and running before officially opening.

“It really has been a success.

“We couldn’t manage it without the volunteers who come rain or shine to help with running the shop, paperwork, shunting trains and even painting. The youngest volunteer we have is 14 and the oldest, I think, is 83.

“There are many advantages brought by the restoration of the railway, the first being that we have taken a big step towards once again running a service between Epping, North Weald and Ongar.

“People have come from Wales and I know that someone from Derby is coming soon, we get visitors from all over.

Despite only having been running for twelve months, the railway has already been the recipient of two awards, the National Heritage Awards Heritage Railway of the Year and Volunteers Award.

The long-term aim of the railway is to provide a rail connection to Epping to help to boost local economies and ensure the future of the new apprentice scheme.

Anyone who wishes to get involved with EOR should call 01277 365 200, or email volunteering@eorailway.co.uk.