Families and friends from across the Isle of Man were transported back in time into the world of dinosaurs on a special steam loco experience last weekend.

Isle of Man Railway’s annual ‘Dino Express’ saw children and their parents travel from Douglas Railway Station to Ballasalla on the steam loco, with an exciting treasure hunt on the way to find large dinosaur eggs at each station.

Participants were welcomed by Dr Gamble, a Jurassic ranger with his baby dinosaur on a five-minute bus journey to Manx National Heritage’s Rushen Abbey for a special pre-historic show.

Speaking about the event, hospitality and events executive officer at Isle of Man Transport, Charlotte Watterson, commented: ‘The Dino Express was a sell out with extra service trains added to meet the demand over three days with the most glorious sunshine.

‘Nearly 1,000 delighted customers took the Dino Express locomotive from Douglas to Ballasalla Station searching for giant dino eggs on the way.

‘They were met by enthusiastic dino rangers before travelling by dino bus to the ‘Jurassic World’ set against the beautiful heritage backdrop of Rushen Abbey.

‘Our brave customers trained as Jurassic explorers, with Emily the Brontosaurus, before meeting a towering carnivore T-Rex called Roxy, an overly enthusiastic Spinosaurus called Scar, a giant three-horned Triceratops called Betsie and many other species of baby dinosaurs.

‘There was a dino dig to find bones and interesting educational facts throughout the experience and thankfully, no one became a dino dinner during the weekend (we think...!)

‘Overall, it was a very engaging and positive community collaboration, with special thanks going to all of the Isle of Man Railways team, the Manx National Heritage team at Rushen Abbey led by Carolyn Greggor and our main supporting sponsor the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.’