The Watercress Line Heritage Railway has collaborated with Treloar School on an accessibility initiative.

Seven students from Treloar School participated in the railway's Let Me In programme, which aims to enhance accessibility in public places.

During their visit, the students evaluated the existing accessibility features at the railway station and scrutinised the design plans for the impending First-Class Accessible Dining Carriage.

This partnership provided Treloar students, who have first-hand experience of accessibility challenges, with the chance to offer constructive feedback.

They assessed station access points, facilities, and the proposed layout of the new carriage, which is currently in the design stage.

The Watercress Line carriage workshop team had marked out the proposed dining carriage layout on the workshop floor with masking tape.

The students were given special behind-the-scenes access to test this layout and provide their insights to the team.

Their feedback will be instrumental in shaping the final design to ensure the carriage adheres to top accessibility standards.

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line Heritage Railway, said: "We are immensely grateful to Treloar School and its students for sharing their expertise with us.

"Their feedback is invaluable, they were really fun and engaging to work with, and we look forward to incorporating their feedback to make The Watercress Line more inclusive for all."

The Watercress Line Heritage Railway is now reviewing the students' feedback and is keen to implement the proposed improvements at the station and in the design of the First-Class Dining Carriage.

The Watercress Line is Hampshire's sole standard gauge heritage railway, stretching for 10 miles through the picturesque South Downs National Park, between Alton and Alresford.

It was inaugurated as the Alton, Alresford and Winchester Railway on October 2, 1865, and was part of British Railways until its closure in 1973.

A preservation group swiftly reinstated the line and services.

Today, the Watercress Line is one of the south's leading visitor attractions, employing 30 staff and relying on the support of more than 450 volunteers.

The railway is dedicated to preserving Hampshire's railway heritage, maintaining a fleet of steam and diesel locomotives, rolling stock, and infrastructure, evoking the essence of a bygone era.

As a living history attraction, it offers a diverse range of steam-hauled train services from March to October and throughout December.