Historic days in the life of the UK's railway network have become rare over the years - but February 27 could mark a significant milestone, particularly for Norfolk's heritage rail movement.

February 27 next year could mark a milestone for Norfolk's heritage rail movement.

For that is the day when a train could cross from the Bittern Line at the mainline Sheringham station to the Poppy Line of the private North Norfolk Railway (NNR) for the first time in more than 40 years.

The permission from Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) is in place, an anonymous £30,000 loan on top of other generous donations has helped secure the necessary finances and now plans to connect Sheringham's two very different railway terminuses are set to go ahead.

If all runs to plan February 27, the first day of a major commemorative gala to mark 50 years since the closure of most of the Midland & Great Northern railway through Norfolk, could mark the first crossing.

The main purpose of the tramway-style link is to allow high profile and valued steam engines, which cannot be transported by road for fear of damage, to visit Sheringham and the Poppy Line