THE popular Volks Electric Railway ran its last service for the year with a visit from a celebrity.

The last train entered Halfway Station, near Paston Place, to a fanfare of whistles and cheers from staff and volunteers. Driving the train was news broadcaster Nicholas Owens, and cars seven and eight remained at the platform for volunteers to enjoy cake and drinks.

The service is the oldest operating electric railway in the world after opening in 1883.The line runs between temporary stations Aquarium, near Brighton Palace Pier, and Black Rock, near Brighton Marina.

Work will now start to remove electrical equipment and track. Halfway Station and Aquarium Station are due to be replaced by new buildings to provide better visitor experiences and facilities - funded by a £1.65 million Heritage Lottery Grant.

The service is run by Volk’s Electric Railway Association, a voluntary organisation dedicated to the continued preservation of the unique Brighton seafront line.

Volk’s Electric Railway will recommence in June 2017. For more information visit volkselectricrailway.co.uk