AN ONLINE petition supporting the reintroduction of the Hengistbury Head land train was signed by 2,500 people in less than 24 hours.

HOOT - Hands Off Our Train - has been placed on petition site 38 degrees and has attracted interest from thousands of supporters.

They are urging the BCP Council, the Health and Safety Executive and Dorset Police to allow it to continue to operate despite an accident six months ago which led to a cyclist being injured when two carriages broke loose from the land train.

The petition, started by Sally Harris, says: “This Noddy Train has been giving hours of pleasure and a vital service to locals and visitors for 50 years.

“To see the Noddy Train running again is vital. It is an iconic part of the heritage of this much loved area for locals and visitors alike.”

A spokesman for the council said all train services have been withdrawn until the outcome of the investigation is known.