Intent on ending its operating season in style, the Mid-Hants Railway--the Watercress Line--tomorrow starts an action-packed steam weekend before the line is closed for annual track maintenance.

Planned to provide railway sights and sounds of yesteryear, the programme includes hourly passenger services between Alton and Alresford, operation of a typical 1950s goods train--pulled by an 80-year-old engine--and opportunities to visit Ropley works and engine shed.

Unusual side shows include working steam crane demonstrations, brake-van rides behind a diesel shunting engine and the chance to travel on a plate layer's motorised trolley.

Of the four steam locomotives used for pulling trains this weekend, the star attraction will be Mid-Hants Railway's Bulleid Pacific "Bodmin". Restored to main line working order earlier this year, the big green engine is used to haul the "Cathedrals Express" a mid-week tourist train, which departs from London Victoria to Canterbury every Wednesday.

Refreshments at the railway's Alresford station will include prize-winning Hampshire pork, ale and watercress sausages on both days.