The HISTORY of Hampshire’s branch lines has been retold through an exiting DVD with an exclusive offer to Daily Echo readers.

Film producer 1st Take has made a 105-minute film which explores how 30 branch lines across Hampshire have changed over the last century and Daily Echo readers can get £1 off the £14.95 RRP plus free postage, saving a total of £3.50.

Led by eminent railway historian and author, Colin Maggs, on whose book The Branch Lines of Hampshire’ the film is based, the crew travelled 2,000 miles across the county shooting 12 hours of footage in total.

The story explores the early days of the London and South Western Railway company owning the majority of lines across the county to the modern operations of the preserved lines including the electrified Eastleigh to Fareham line, the Alton and Lymington branches, the preserved Mid-Hants Railway from Alton to Alresford and a section of the Totton to Fawley branch with shots of preserved infrastructure from closed stations such as Droxford and Horsebridge.

Andy Warren from 1st Take, who produced the film with Dave Rogers said: “We have produced a fantastic film featuring Colin Maggs that explores Hampshire’s once numerous branch lines, some of which were closed before the Second World War.

“Many lines have lifted since but every branch can be revisited in this special historical journey.

“It was a fascinating journey across Hampshire and it was great to see what infrastructure is left but its a shame to see how much has been lost through Dr. Beeching’s cuts and before the Second World War.”

Along with this, the film is also packed with rare archive images which will be a real treat for railway enthusiasts.

Buy Saturday's (November 25) Daily Echo to find out more.