They were once the pride of Britain’s mighty rail network – and the public has the chance to take control of a fleet of vintage trains.

Rail enthusiasts have been given the opportunity to drive four historic locomotives that are returning to the tracks after decades in the depot.

Under expert guidance, the public can drive the Class 55 Deltic No. 55 002 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, Class 50 No. 50 026 Indomitable, Class 37 No. D6700 and a Class 33 train along the Swanage Railway.

Swanage Railway general manager Richard Jones said: “Nothing quite compares with the sheer thrill and excitement of driving a main line heritage diesel locomotive – it really is an unforgettable and very evocative experience.

“The four diesel locomotives we are featuring in our driver experience programme are classic pieces of railway engineering: the unsung workhorses that kept this country and its economy moving day in, day out, night and day.

“They were designed during the 1950s and entered traffic through the 1960s when they took over after the end of steam as a result of the modernisation programme introduced by British Railways during the mid-1950s.

“Driving a mighty diesel locomotive is a very different experience that is rarely enjoyed – and it’s very different to riding in a carriage behind a diesel locomotive, even on the Swanage Railway where the maximum speed is just 25 miles per hour.”

The classic trains are appearing at the Swanage Railway’s annual Diesel Gala and Dorset Beer Festival, which started on Friday and finishes today.