BIG celebrations are on track to commemorate the opening of a former Test Valley railway line 150 years ago.

The The Friends of Romsey Signal Box and the Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership are coupling up to organise a nostalgic trip along the route of the old Sprat and Winkle line, which opened on March 6, 1865.

The line was axed by Dr Beeching in 1964 – the only surviving part of the track is the stretch from Romsey to Redbridge. Much of the line north now forms part of the Test Way long-distance footpath.

Civic dignitaries – including Test Valley’s mayor, Jan Lovell, Romsey’s mayor, Peter Hurst, MP Caroline Nokes and Romsey county councillor Mark Cooper – will board a minibus exactly 150 years to the day that the line opened for a trip closely following the Kimbridge Junction to Andover section of the line.

Stops along the way will include Horsebridge Station.

A trip along the same route for the public is planned for the following day.

If this is oversubscribed another excursion could be organised for Sunday, March 8, said president of the signal box friends, Dick Hewett.

A special window display at Romsey Tourist Information Centre (TIC) to mark the anniversary of the opening of the line will be in place from Sunday until March 6.

The opening of the line caused the junction to be created at Romsey, where a new signal box was required. The box closed in 1982 but was was preserved and restored to operational order by a band of volunteers.

The box will be hosting two special open days, on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, between 10am-4pm.

Members of the public must pre-book a seat on the minibus trip.

Tickets cost £10 and bookings can be made at Romsey TIC on 01794 512987, or by emailing Dick Hewett at treasurer@romseysignalbo.org.uk .