The £200,000 Nene Valley Railway project, which has taken 10 years to fulfill, was officially unveiled yesterday with the first journey from Yarwell Junction station into the city.

It is hoped the line will pave the way for people to enjoy the villages of Stibbington and Nassington – while villagers can travel in the other direction for shopping trips.

General manager of Nene Valley Railway Chris Rees said: "One of the main purposes of the line is to open the countryside to the people of Peterborough.

"The only way to get to Yarwell station is by train or on foot. There is no vehicle access, so this gives people the real chance to see the countryside and visit the good pubs in Nassington and Yarwell.

"Equally, we're hoping that it will provide villagers with the chance to head into the city, especially those who don't drive a car.

"The route is on a nice steam train with a bar on board. Travellers can relax and have a drink on board – it's a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon."

To celebrate the launch, about 100 special guests were invited for the return trip from the new station.

Sir William Proby officially opened the station before the train headed off – filled with people who had contributed to the project over the past decade.

They included the Army's 79 Railway Squadron, which gave its services to clearing the line in return for training to drive steam engines, the Environment Agency, Probation Service and the Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (WREN).

Chairman of Yarwell Parish Council, Arthur Whittaker was one of the passengers on the train's maiden trip. He said: "It was ever so good, especially with the nice weather.

"I think it's a good thing for Yarwell. It means people can go to Peterborough if they don't want to use a car and people can come the other way, too. They can come to see Yarwell Mill, take the Nene Walk or visit the village pubs."

The journey takes about 30 minutes and runs regularly at weekends and on school holidays.

More about the Nene Valley Railway peterboroughtoday.co.uk/nvr