For the first time in 50 years a steam train stopped at Feltham station and enthusiasts were ready and waiting to capture the moment.

Salina Patel joined the milestone moment and travelled onboard the Black Five 44932 Cathedrals Express one day trip to Yeovil Junction.

Salina Patel onboard the Black Five 44932

A glorious sunny day made the perfect backdrop for our first steam train journey from Feltham station to Yeovil Junction and back.

Sunday, June 1, marked the first time in 50 years a steam locomotive stopped at Feltham railway.

Enthusiasts gathered on the platform and across the bridge, waiting in anticipation for the arrival of the Cathedrals Express steam train.

As my husband Nilesh, and I, positioned ourselves on the platform, camera ready, we heard chugging along the tracks and in the distance, slowly creeping up, was the Black Five 44932.

We were in awe - a beautifully crafted old-fashioned black steam train with 11 carriages pulled up to the station, and stewards peered out of the window to unlock the doors. 

Excitedly we climbed onboard, walked through the narrow 1950s coaches, and took to our spacious seats in the Premier Dining carriage.

Inside Premier Dining carriage on the Black Five 44932 steam train

With speeds of up to 60mph the Black Five was one of 18 saved for preservation after being withdrawn in 1968, before it returned to the tracks for mainline rail tours in 2010.

Josh, our waiter for the day, welcomed us and other couples onboard at Feltham.

Shortly after arriving we were served coffee, tea and fresh bread, followed by a delicious three course lunch - mozzarella and tomato salad, chicken or vegetable lattice with roasted potatoes and mushroom and thyme gravy, and a chocolate and caramel tart with creme fraiche and raspberries.

Chocolate and caramel tart with creme fraiche and raspberries

Among the people in our cabin were winners of the Hounslow Chronicle steam train competition Gordon Pilling and wife Marlene of Firs Drive, Cranford, who had a "trip of a lifetime."

After departing from Feltham station we passed the high security fences surrounding the Young Offenders Institute and Bedfont Lakes Country Park and travelled to our next stop in Woking.

Unusual for a steam trip, the London Victoria to Yeovil Junction journey stopped at nine stations, and additional ones for water stops.

As we travelled further away from London we found ourselves gazing out the windows at the beautiful countryside, long stretch of fields and flowers, sheep and cows grazing, and a countless number of people waving to us. 

The 137.9 mile trip from Feltham to Somerset continued to Winchester, Southampton Central, Salisbury and Sherborne, before reaching Yeovil Junction in just under five hours.

Some people chose to explore the city of Salisbury lined with historic streets and alleyways, traditional English eateries, and one of the finest cathedrals; boasting the tallest spire in Britain to the world's best preserved Magna Carta.

Other chose to step off at Sherborne to visit the Abbey which dates back to 988, and two castles; from the 12th century and 18th century.

But for us it was to The Yeovil Railway Centre to join in the 20th anniversary celebrations where we saw model railway displays, military soldiers and some creepy crawlies bought in by charity Bug Fest.

Salina Patel holding a python

Enthusiasts crowded to watch the engine being turned before everyone jumped back onboard and set off on the return journey to London where champagne, and high tea which included a butternut squash and ricotta tartlet with a side of coleslaw and summer pudding with clotted cream and strawberries - truly British.

butternut squash and ricotta tartlet with a side of coleslaw

Amazing views and delicious food onboard a magnificent locomotive - the perfect day.