Leisure Minister Tim Crookall says the arrival of a new diesel locomotive will mean his department can start offering commuter services from the south.

Yesterday in Tynwald, the court voted to allow the department to buy the secondhand engine for £350,000.

Mr Crookall says when the vehicle arrives next year, it’ll mean early morning runs from Port Erin to Douglas for workers will be possible without having to wait for trains to build up steam.

He says it’ll also be used for the railway’s special events.