A group of railway enthusiasts are urgently seeking funds to build a new train line at the Crossness Pumping Station in Thamesmead.

The Crossness Engines Trust, a volunteer-led charity which exists to restore old engines, is looking to raise £12,500 by February 18 in order to purchase the materials needed to finish the job.

The new line, which will be a 700-metre-long narrow gauge railway, is planned to have a restored diesel-hydraulic engine running on it which will ferry visitors from the car park all the way up to the pumping station.

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Robin Parkinson, 76, is a team leader with the trust and believes a new line would make a fun attraction for those interested in visiting Crossness.

"The railway will be running right alongside the new path so some people may want to use it on the way up or even back to their car.

"It's a celebration really. It will be the first narrow gauge railway to be built for 80 years within the M25 in south-east London," he said.

Mr Parkinson explained there are currently a team of 19 volunteers working on the project, with most working eight hours each day.

"We're very proud of what we've achieved so far," he said.

The trust's online fundraiser has raised more than £7,500 with pledges still coming in.

According to Mr Parkinson, works have been ongoing since Crossness, also known as 'the cathedral on the marsh', was reopened late last year as works were carried out to remove asbestos discovered at the station in March 2018.