HISTORIC diesel engines are set to delight visitors in Hampshire this weekend.

The Watercress Line is hosting an extravaganza of engines with its annual Diesel Gala weekend from Friday to Sunday.

The Mid Hants Railway Ltd, nicknamed ‘The Watercress Line’ in the early 20th century for its role in transporting the crop to London, is Hampshire’s only standard gauge heritage railway.

The weekend’s guest engine is the D9002, known as ‘The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry’.

It was one of the most powerful locomotives in the world when it entered service in 1961.

It will pass under the former King’s Cross footbridge, now at The Watercress Line’s Ropley station, for the first time in 35 years.

The 47579 ‘James Nightall GC’ is also visiting for the first time.

Colin Chambers, managing director at The Watercress Line, said: “We can’t wait to bring these exciting diesel engines to Hampshire – some of them for the first time.”