The last train from the Mid Suffolk Light Railway to the main line ran in 1952 - but now the link is set to be restored, now with historic buses.

The Middy has linked up with the Eastern Counties Bus Preservation Group which will provide a free shuttle from Stowmarket railway station to the steam museum at Wetheringsett for some of its Christmas and New Year events.

And the link is also set to continue next year at some of the Middy's major events through the spring and summer.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Eastern Counties Bus Preservation Group has restored a number of local buses.The Eastern Counties Bus Preservation Group has restored a number of local buses. (Image: Eastern Counties Bus Preservation Group)

The bus group has several vehicles that have been restored and kept running - and this will be a chance for transport enthusiasts to travel by both vintage bus and steam train on the same trip.

It will also provide a link for potential visitors to the Middy who do not have access to a car - its base at Brockford and Wetheringsett station is some distance from normal public transport routes.

The first time the new bus service will operate will be for the Vintage and Bygones Fair at the railway on November 26.

In 2024 it will be operating on several of the Middy's "Real Ale" nights on Fridays as well as some of its most popular Sunday events.

The railway is running its hugely popular Santa Specials for young children during the first three weekends of December - tickets have to be booked in advance.

The second and third weekends are now almost booked up - but there are still tickets available for the first weekend on December 2/3.

And on January 1 the railway will be holding its popular Steam and Light Festival.

Work on the extension to Aspall Halt - which will double the length of the Middy's line - is continuing, but it has been slowed down by bureaucratic issues involved with obtaining a Transport and Works Order that is needed because it will cross a public footpath.