THE Mid-Hants Railway (MHR) Watercress Line will be unveiling a plaque at Alresford station signal box tomorrow to recognise the service to the railway of two former signalmen, Walter Norris and Dennis Ford.

And it has put an appeal for the families of the two men to get in touch.

Until the line was closed by British Rail in 1973, these two regular signalmen had been working at Alresford for more than 30 years.

In this, the 40th anniversary year of the re-opening of the Watercress Line as a heritage railway between Alresford and Alton on April 30, 1977, it has been decided, as part of the celebrations, to honour these former British Rail employees.

The initiative has come from the current Alresford signalmen, of whom there are around 50 – almost all of whom are volunteers.

While the Mid-Hants Railway team have made contact with the daughter of Walter Norris, they have been unable to trace any descendants of Dennis Ford. It is believed he had a son called Mike who was a photographer who worked for the local press in the 1970s.

The intention is to unveil the plaque on Saturday at 2.15pm and Mid-Hants Railway bosses would be delighted if the family of Dennis Ford would make contact with the marketing department with a view to inviting them to attend the ceremony.

Anyone who knows the wherabouts of Mr Ford should call 01962 733810 or e-mail [email protected].