IT'S countdown to the official opening of Meldon Viaduct. The graceful lattice-work Victorian construction that once carried trains on the former Waterloo-Plymouth main line is all set for celebrity status.

On Saturday, Tomorrow's World presenter Adam Hart-Davies will do the official honours at noon as part of a family fun day.

Thanks to Devon County Council, Aggregate Industries and the Meldon Viaduct Company Ltd the viaduct is now restored and opened to the public. It includes one of the finest sections on the National Cycle Network in the country.

As an extra treat tomorrow evening (Friday) there will be 'Jazz on the Line' from Okehampton Station. Passengers can enjoy a sumptuous gourmet buffet on the train while listening to the foot-tapping music of Gordons Algiers Strutters.

Okehampton mayor and chairman of the Meldon Viaduct Company, Cllr Christine Marsh, said the events were designed to encourage people to use the cycle route and the station.

'Ultimately it is all good business for the town. It is all to generate interest in our area and get people to come and use the station,' said Cll Marsh.

'If more people use it, hopefully in the long-term we might get a service back up to Exeter — not just at weekends. Even if it is only one train in the morning and one in the evening.

'The line should have never gone. I want to bring it back and a lot of other people feel rail travel is the way forward because the roads are getting more clogged up.'

l Tomorrow evening the jazz train leaves at 6.45pm. Dress code is dinner jacket/lounge suit. Tickets cost £25 and are available on (01837) 55637.