THE oldest working pier train in the world is being given a new look - which will take it back to the almost-forgotten past.

Recent generations have seen the 85-year-old electric train, which still has its original engines, trundling along the pier in blue and white colours and, more recently, in red and white. The latest colour scheme must have suited many Saints fans who use it to go to matches at the Dell.

But now, White Horse Ferries, which owns the service, is turning the clock back to the ferry's early days with a dark green livery.

"We have discovered from people who lived here and worked on the ferry at the time that this was the original colour," said White Horse director Lloyd Lay.

He added that the famous old initials of HPR (Hythe Pier Railway) were also being sign-written on to the side of the carriages, which are being done one at a time to ensure that there are enough in use to keep the train running.

Doing some of the work is train driver Richard Clinton, 28, who travels daily from Milford-on-Sea with his ferry engineer father Ian to work on the service.

Ian also works on carving the names of people who have donated planks to the pier as part of its restoration and maintenance programme.