IT WAS full steam ahead down memory lane for 31 residents of three charity homes in Cornwall when they embarked on a journey back in time with the Bodmin and Wenford Railway.

Residents from the Abbeyfield Society’s homes in Camelford, Falmouth and St Austell tucked into a traditional cream tea on board the steam-hauled Cornish Belle as it meandered through gorgeous countryside between Bodmin General, Bodmin Parkway and Boscarne Junction.

The Abbeyfield Society is a registered charity providing housing, care and support to older people, enabling them to either live together in supported accommodation while retaining their independence or reside peacefully in one of their care homes, which provide a 24-hour service.

The first Abbeyfield house was established in 1956 by Major Richard Carr-Gomm, a Coldstream Guards captain who left the army to become an unpaid home help to the elderly and disabled.

He recognised that a lot of older people were living alone and feeling isolated in their own communities and wanted to provide them with a safe and secure home where they could find friendship and support.

The trip on the tracks was among one of the many activities that the Abbeyfield Society organises for its residents to help ease the feeling of isolation.

The Abbeyfield passengers, including those from Camelford, were transported back to a bygone era in the first class dining coach — complete with wood panelling, table lamps, curtains and elegant china crockery.

Some of the older residents reminisced about ‘the good old days’ when they were able to take the steam train from Bodmin to Padstow.

Linda Wilkins, housekeeper at Abbeyfield House in Camelford, said: “It was a wonderful afternoon, thoroughly enjoyed by all our residents.

“It was a glorious sunny day and the Bodmin and Wenford Railway volunteers treated us like royalty throughout the whole experience.

“They looked after us so well and we can’t thank them enough for their kindness.”