TICKETS are now on sale for the first passenger train to run from Chinnor to Princes Risborough since 1957.

Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway Association is selling the tickets as the latest stage of its plans to restore the branch line between Chinnor and the junction with the old Thame branch.

The group formed to buy the line and already runs steam trains on part of it. The association is fundraising to extend its operations from Thame junction the final 800 yards into the old Watlington Branch platform at Princes Risborough Station. It has raised £50,000 of the £160,000 needed and expects to run the first trains along that section in 2002.

Tickets will cost £12 for the first train and £6 for other trains on the first day. They can be booked by sending a cheque made out to Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway Association to Alan Jeffries, 27 Bedfordshire Way, Wokingham, Berks, RG41 3BA.

The train line, which runs regular tourist services, has not been unduly affected by the foot and mouth outbreak, but spokesman Eric Samuel asked for visitors to take care.

He said: "We earnestly request that visitors to the railway, in particular those who wish to observe or photograph our operations do so only from the confines of Chinnor Station or from a public road."

Details of times and special events on the railway's talking timetable on (01844) 353535.