Dartmoor Railway has revealed further information about the planned creation of an up-market dining train service run throughout the weekend.

Scheduled to begin this month, the service will include afternoon tea, evening dinner and Sunday family lunch services. The trains will provide entertainment as well as meals in an effort to attract a wide range of customers.

Dartmoor Railway general manager Stephen Goodwin confirmed that the Sunday Rover train to Exeter will not be affected by the new dining service and will continue to run as normal.

He said: 'We are building on our experience with our Polar Express operations to offer more than a train ride to customers. By also providing entertainment and a unique dining experience, we believe we can dramatically increase ridership and revenues.'

The dining trains are designed to attract residents of Devon and Cornwall, and tourists visiting the area. There will be a marketing strategy put in place to attract tourists from across the county.

Tiffany Arthurs, events and marketing manager for British American Rail Services said: 'The summer tourism market is one of the best in the country, and we're excited to attract these visitors into Okehampton where they will be sure to do some shopping, purchase fuel and make other valuable contributions to the local economy.'

The company will be utilising the first class carriages that were restored for the Polar Express train that ran over the Christmas period. Up to 150 seats will be provided per departure.

The carriages will receive additional upgrades prior to running, including air conditioning, new exterior paint, new draperies, head-rest seat covers and table lamps. A kitchen car will also be introduced for the gourmet food service.

Negotiations are underway to select a local catering company to provide food preparation and food staff. The company is also creating a reservations call centre to handle calls for both the Dartmoor Railway and the Weardale Railway in Co Durham.

Dartmoor Railway said: 'The company is taking this exciting opportunity to extend its hand and welcome new volunteers, opening up opportunities for recruits without a railway back ground or knowledge. All help is valued and appreciated.

'With a new focus and positive approach, the aim is to create a welcoming and friendly environment for all to treasure and enjoy together.

'Additional staff and volunteers being recruited will include musicians, actors and actresses, bartenders and cocktail waiting staff, station greeters, boarding and seating staff and there are plans for a weekly sewing club.'

Anyone interested in getting involved should send an enquiry to [email protected]">[email protected]