THE Mid-Hants Railway has denied accusations of overcrowding after an Alton man claimed that his birthday celebrations were spoiled by passengers gatecrashing a Watercress Line Real Ale Train, leaving it impossible to find a seat.

Jeremy Baylis was one of a party of men, all in their 60s, who were out on Saturday evening celebrating two birthdays.

They boarded the train at Alton around 7.20pm, having had their tickets properly checked. Even at that time, according to Mr Baylis, the train was packed and while they managed to get to the bar, they had to stand all the way to Alresford.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.