DADS will have the chance to bring out their inner big kid this Father’s Day as the Mid-Hants Railway Watercress Line is offering the chance to go back in time by providing free driving experiences on a diesel locomotive.

Any dads travelling on the railway on Sunday will have the opportunity to see what it’s like to get behind the controls of a vintage 350hp diesel locomotive.

They will be under the guidance of an instructor as they man the 49-tonne locomotive for a short distance from Alresford station and back.

Caroline Appleton, marketing manager at the Watercress Line, said: “There is nothing quite like the thrill of operating one of these traditional locomotives and experiencing the power, smells and sounds of times gone by.

“For rail enthusiast dads, it’s one of the best opportunities to drive a genuine, restored vintage diesel locomotives.”

No experience is needed, though dads must have a valid travel ticket.

People must be over the age of 16 and be able to climb into the cab of the locomotive. To book, visit watercressline.co.uk.