THE return of a beloved engine will see the return of heritage train services to Sampford Courtenay.

The Dartmoor Railway Supporter Association's 'Thumper' DEMU 1132 engine has been out of service for a year so that it could have a top end overhaul.

The repair works took longer than anticipated, with the engine now available after over a year out of action.

The association's heritage services will now call at Sampford Courtenay again.

The heritage services run on weekends and bank holidays throughout the rest of April and May, until June 3 when the Sunday rover service to Exeter restarts.

The rover service will serve Sampford Courtenay on Sundays, with the heritage service serving the station on Saturdays, bank holidays and any other running dates.

For more information on the services, visit http://www.dartmoor-railway-sa.org">www.dartmoor-railway-sa.org or call 01837 55164.