EASTLEIGH Lakeside Steam Railway is holding its 25th anniversary gala this weekend. Here, the Daily Echo takes a look at the railway through the years.

Things began in 1992 when a temporary track was installed, with a more permanent track being laid after a three-year lease was issued.

After negotiations with Eastleigh Borough Council a long lease was granted in 1998, and permission for the construction of Parkway and Monks Brook Halt stations were granted, opening in 1999.

The route as we know it today was finished in 2000, with the 355ft tunnel coming later in 2003.

The 1¼ mile track includes pneumatically operated semaphore signals as well as some fine views of the area.

The fleet at Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway includes 19 steam locomotives, two diesel hydraulics and a battery powered Eurostar.

Many of the locos have historical importance, a few dating from the 1930s.

In February 2005, the construction of Lakeside cafe and extended station with full toilet facilities was completed.

The carriage fleet steelworks, bogies and general assembly were all handled by the railway themselves – upholding the tradition of railway engineering in Eastleigh.

To celebrate their 25th anniversary, the railway plan to have every available loco running at some point over the weekend.