A Victorian railway carriage is to begin a new life at a Fenland train station after it was relocated from a garden in St Ives. 

Volunteers from Friends of March Railway Station, the community group behind the project, dismantled the 149-year-old carriage before it embarked on a 20-mile trip in a lorry from a property in Needingworth. 

It will be relocated on a disused platform at March railway station before being converted into a tea room. 

Rob Abel, chairman of Friends of March Railway Station, said it was an "immense effort" to get the carriage moved, which was donated by St Ives resident Nicky Cope. 

He said: "It was found on Facebook back in January by our secretary Mandy Ward where at the time it was being used by the home owner as a shed to store garden tools. 

"The previous owner wanted it to go to a 'good home' and after a weekend visit early this year, they kindly donated it to us. 

"So the dismantling and eventual removal of the carriage has been an ongoing project for the last eight months." 

A local haulage company provided a lorry and the Fenland Association for Community Transport (FACT), based in March, provided a bus service to transport the volunteers.

The carriage, which dates back to 1884, is believed to have called at the town while in service.

Rob added: "It was blood, sweat and hard work on Saturday but the reward of being able to see it at March station made the effort worth it. 

"We'll have to restore some parts of the carriage simply due to its age, but considering how old it is, it's in pretty remarkable condition. 

"We're going to paint it back to it's original colour which we believe is a burgundy red with the long-term of aim of being able to use it for open days and heritage days."

The former owner has been invited to cut the ribbon at the grand opening which is expected to take place in around 18 months time.