Bookings are now open for a special steam train being run next month to celebrate the centenary of the opening of the Bicester cut-off railway line.

Chiltern Railways has joined forces with steam operator Vintage Trains to run the Centenary Express on Saturday, July 3, from Banbury and Bicester to the preserved Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway.

The Bicester cut-off allowed Great Western Railway trains between London and Birmingham to bypass Oxford, cutting 20 miles off their journey.

The train, which will be hauled by preserved GWR pannier tank locomotive No 9600, will leave Banbury at 10.05am and Bicester North at 10.48am, arriving at Chinnor at 12.15pm.

The return journey leaves Chinnor at 1.45pm, arriving at Bicester at 3.45pm and Banbury at 4.10pm.

First-class fares are £90 for adults and £45 for children, including breakfast and high tea. Standard class fares are £45 and £25. To book tickets, call Chiltern’s business travel department on 01494 420117 between 9.30am and 4.30pm on weekdays.