THE Mid-Hants Watercress Line has enjoyed a lively half term with a glorious autumn steam gala followed by a wizard weekend to celebrate Hallowe’en.

This year’s steam gala, which ran from October 21-23, drew people from far and wide to enjoy a fantastic three-day feast of steam locomotive action with a Midland theme, starring the famous Royal Scot locomotive.

While this iconic engine has travelled as far afield as the United States and Canada it was the Royal Scot’s first visit to the Mid Hants Railway line. Running alongside an engine that is a unique survivor from the Severn Valley Railway, it provided some special sights.

The home fleet also put on a great show, with two steam engines running that had only returned to service this year.

One of the highlights of the Gala was the re-creation of the Pines Express, in which two Mid Hants Railway steam engines powered along the line with eight carriages in tow – a truly awe-inspiring experience!

On the following weekend, October 29-30, visitors to the line were able to enjoy a very different experience as the line was transformed into a place of magic and mischief.

A Mid Hants Railway spokesman said: “We had a great turn out of children and adults dressed as witches, wizards and Hallowe’en spooks!”

At Ropley station, Harry Potter fans had a great opportunity to walk over the famous iron footbridge that was used in the films, which offered the chance to take some great ‘selfies’.

And there were flying displays by birds of prey, and visitors were even able to hold the owls and falcons on their arms.

Further down the line, at Alresford station, children were able to find some fun facts about bugs and beasties while being shown many of the creepy crawlies up close, like Rosie the tarantula!

In addition, rides on the Haunted Miniature Railway, family friendly magic shows and spooky tours were a real hit, especially with younger visitors.