RAILWAY enthusiasts will travel back to the days of locomotives as a post-war steam train takes nostalgic passengers on a trip to the South Wales valleys.

The Railway Touring Company is organising the day excursion from Bristol to Rhymney in what has been called a rare chance to explore the scenery of lines dating back to Victorian times.

Passengers will enjoy the outing on board the train powered by the Pacific loco designed by the defunct Southern Railway company.

Others, like former rail worker Stephen Batty, will watch the Battle of Britain class steam locomotive 'Tangmere” as it winds its way between Newport and Ebbw Vale on September 28.

Mr Batty, 40, of Shelley Close, Croespenmaen, told the Argus: “It is something we haven’t seen for 50 years. The era of steam engines ended in the 60s.

“I would like to see it along the Ebbw line. Hopefully I can take photos and videos.”

The train will leave Bristol Temple Meads at 9.15am then travel along the South Wales Main Line to Newport.

It will then follow an 18-mile line along the deep-sided Ebbw River valley and arrive at Rhymney at 1.30pm.

A Railway Touring Company spokesman said: “We visit the branch lines to Ebbw Vale and Rhymney; both have a long and fascinating railway history.”

The train will then turn back and pull into Bristol Temple Meads station at 6pm.

Adult fares cost between £89 and £179.