IF you want all stations to nostalgia then climb aboard 'The Last Train to Callington'.

This keenly awaited video by Aarchive Film Production features the journey from Bere Alston up the branch beyond the present day terminus of Gunnislake to the original end-of-the-line at Callington.

Viewers are given a brief history of the branch focussing on the original East Cornwall Mineral Railway and the building of Calstock Viaduct. Then we take our seat for a trip along the length using a blend of aerial photography and some impressive archive footage.

In steam days the line was dominated by those attractive LMS denizens of the former Southern system, the ubiquitous Ivatt 2-6-2 tanks. These sturdy locomotives proved ideal for the line with its steep descent from Bere Alston to Calstock and serpentine climb to Gunnislake.

From there on the line is all memory. No more do the local trains meander onwards to Callington, stopping at the long gone stations of Chilsworthy, Latchley and Luckett.

Fortunately archive footage allows us to relive the spirit of the line in its final years. John Snell, from Bere Alston and himself a retired railwayman, shares some personal experiences of the line.

We are treated to delightful images from the past — such as the driver who halted his train to jump down and pick a quick bunch of lineside daffodils because next day was Mothering Sunday.

After the demise of steam, diesel multiple units took over on the Callington line until that section was axed in the mid-sixties. The video contains some interesting footage taken from the cab of one of these trains as it returns back along the branch to Bere Alston.

Here, distilled, is the essence of one of Devon's most scenic branch lines. Tamar Valley is revealed in all its glory with contemporary footage and archive film combining to build an evocative picture of a truly delightful railway.

Directed by Phil Lilley and narrated by Roger Lilley, 'The Last Train to Callington' is available direct from Aarchive Film Production, 26 St Johns Drive, Hooe, Plymouth PL9 9SB at £12.99 plus £1.50 for postage and package.