IT WAS full steam ahead at Moors Valley as hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the railway's 30th anniversary.

A total of 17 engines led the celebrations for the south's longest fully-signalled narrow gauge 7¼ steam railway at the weekend.

Over the past 30 years, more than three million passengers have climbed aboard for a journey around the park's mile-long track.

The special anniversary gala weekend of steam featured 10 trains, carrying both passengers and freight.

Rangers at the park also paid tribute to the railway’s history with a photographic timeline and offered the opportunity to sneak a peek behind the scenes at the work currently underway building and maintaining all the engines and rolling stock.

The first engine at Moors Valley pulled away from Kingsmere Station in 1986.

Initially situated at Tucktonia in Christchurch, the miniature railway was relocated to Moors Valley in July of that year by founder Jim Haylock and has been delighting families and steam enthusiasts alike ever since.

Railway director and nephew of Jim Haylock, Tim Woron, said: “We were privileged to begin operation two years before the official opening of the park itself, so as well as celebrating our own anniversary, we are looking forward to contributing to the park’s own 30th birthday in 2018.”

Running alongside the Moors Lake and wildlife areas, the journey offers a view of the park.

The engines - all miniature narrow gauge locomotives - were mostly built and maintained at the Moors Valley workshop.

The current complement includes 13 Moors Valley engines, with three more currently under construction. The railway is also home to six privately owned engines.

More than 60 people, both staff and volunteers, are involved in keeping the railway running.

The railway is open daily from June to mid September, and at weekends and school holidays from 10.45am to 5pm (10.45am to 4.30pm November to February).

Come back to the website on Sunday for a look back at Moors Valley Railway in pictures.