A NEW guide to promote the east Suffolk railway line has been launched as plans are put in place for celebrations to mark 150 years of the service next year.

A NEW guide to promote the east Suffolk railway line has been launched as plans are put in place for celebrations to mark 150 years of the service next year.

John Brodribb, chairman of the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership, dressed in an early 1950s British Rail uniform at the Lowestoft station last Friday, June 13 to promote the guide, which includes tourist information as well as timetables and fares.

Mr Brodribb, who completed the outfit with a whistle, carriage key, his great grandfather's pocket watch, and original tickets and timetables, hopes to encourage people to take the train to the region's tourist spots.

“People always talk of the good old days but actually there are now more services that are a lot faster,” he said.

“We are keen that people use the train instead of their car when they can and the guide shows people where they can visit, such as Lowestoft and Sutton Hoo.”

The railway, which runs from Lowestoft to Ipswich, will have been operating for 150 years on June 1 next year.

“For the 150th celebration, we want to promote the railway and get local people and businesses involved,” he said.

“We have a whole variety of things planned. We are looking at getting sponsorship with exhibitions and displays up and down the line. We want to get the local museums involved - something within the community that involves people and staff.”