For the first time since 1967, a train has pulled into Stockbridge Station.

Sadly, it wasn't the real station, or a real train, but one given to Stockbridge Primary School by Paul O'Boyle.

"In 2000, the school converted an old bike shed into the platform and ticket office of the station based on the old Sprat and Winkle line. Their playing field had once been the sidings for the line." explained Paul.

The school's ambitious and imaginative idea was declared the "outstanding winner" of the Hampshire Gardens Trust Millennium Awards Scheme.

Paul, with three children at the school, decided the station needed was a train. He contacted a Bristol firm, R. & C. Starling, a client of his employer, Sine-Cera Ltd, of Basingstoke. Starlings designed and built the stylish green and red wooden train complete with carriage, which seats four passengers.

The train was installed at Stockbridge Station by Paul and his work colleagues, who volunteered their time to provide the pupils with the splendid new addition.

"We spent two years discussing and planning this and it took a year to build," said Paul, who funded the 14ft-long replica himself.

Pamela Simpson, the head teacher, was thrilled when the train arrived. "The workmanship is brilliant and the children will have such fun on it," she said. "We have already organised work parties to keep it clean and in this immaculate condition. I would like to say an enormous thank-you to Paul for his generous gift."

Year 1 children couldn't wait to get on board. "It's cool," said Robert. "I really want to go on it so my hair can stand up," added Jessica. Lucy summed up their feelings. "It's good, I want to go bumpety bump!"

Pupils are holding a competition to name their train and a bronze plaque with the winning name, made by Sine-Cera, will be placed on the engine.