SWANAGE Railway's latest steam gala has broken all previous attendance records - making it the most successful gala in the heritage line's history.
Some 5,700 passengers were carried on the trains hauled by the classic 1940s-built Bulleid Pacific class of steam locomotive.
The historic locomotives took part in the three-day 'Strictly Bulleid' event earlier this month.
Swanage Railway general manager Matt Green said: "We had an absolutely fantastic Strictly Bulleid event with some 110 volunteers and staff helping to stage the event each day. It was areal Bulleid bonanza enjoyed by everyone.
"It has been a memorable and record-breaking event with the largest gathering of Bulleid steam locomotives in one place since the end of main line southern steam in the summer of 1967 - 50 years ago."
Steam trains also operated on Swanage Railway's four-mile newly completed extension from Norden station westwards to the River Frome during the event.
Mr Green said: "We also had a record-breaking number of visitors to the event and while we had some train delays, in what was a tight timetable, there was a great atmosphere about the place.
"The quality of the workmanship that has gone into the visiting Bulleid Pacific steam locomotives was incredible. All the engines performed well, they were well-liked by the footplate crews and they came with some excellent locomotive owners and representatives
