Steam buffs are being asked to buy tickets now for a journey which could be more than a year away.

The money from the 12-a-head tickets will go towards making the dream journey the first steam train to arrive at Princes Risborough station for 45 years a reality.

The Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway Association has had the dream of running passenger services into the station since it took over the line ten years ago.

It regularly runs trains from its Chinnor station base to within 800 yards of Princes Risborough's platforms.

It has raised £50,000 of the £160,000 it needs to complete the journey.

Eric Samuel, for the association, said: "All the advance ticket money will go into the Project Risborough fund.

"We hope to be up and running right into the station some time in 2002. It will certainly be a dream come true for us."

The Watlington to Princes Risborough train last ran in July 1957. But the line from Risborough to Chinnor stayed open for Chinnor Cement Works until ten years ago.

Cheques made payable to Project Risborough should go to Alan Jefferies at 27 Bedfordshire Way, Wokingham, RG41 3BA and more details can be obtained on 01344 365238.