The age of steam travel has returned to Helston for the first time in more than half a century.

Railway enthusiasts travelled from far and wide on Sunday to be part of history, as the first steam passenger train in 56 years travelled a section of the former Helston branch line.

The Peckett 0-4-0ST Kilmersdon, on loan from Somerset & Dorset Railway, was in operation through Sunday and continues today, for Bank Holiday Monday, to the delight of visitors to Prospidnick Halt, near Trevarno.

It was part of a larger Return to the 1940s event organised by Helston Railway, which also included music from that period, military vehicles and displays.

Marketing director Ben Harding said: "Our popular Return to the 1940s event this year is made even more special by the return of steam passenger trains to the line for the first time in over 55 years."

There is still time to head over to the event, which runs until 5pm today.

Helston Railway first made the big announcement back in January, causing much excitement amongst its supporters and train enthusiasts alike.

Revealing the news on Facebook, the group, which has been patiently restoring sections of the track over the last decade, said it was "thrilled" that this would be the year that members' long-held ambition would be realised.

Up to this point, visitors have been able to ride up and down the track in a brake van, but a ride in an engine-drawn carriage was something new.

Around one mile of the former branch line track has now been re-laid, from Prospidnick Halt to Truthall Halt near Sithney.

The group has big plans ultimately to continue restoration work further south, within a few years, to Water-Ma-Trout in Helston, which would also include restoring the old Cober Viaduct.

Video: Kathy White