PASSENGERS boarding the 10.30am train from Truro to Falmouth on Monday might have been forgiven for thinking the service was for the chop when Henry the VII and one of his six wives got on board.

But the arrival of the notorious King with his wife Catherine was to help Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership promote a new version of its Maritime Line Rail Ale Trail.

Henry VII, dressed in all his finery, was joined by each of his wives at subsequent stops who were all part of the Tudor re-enactment group The Hungerford Household.

The Rail Trail has been updated and two new pubs added, the City Inn in Truro and the King's Arms in Penryn. The trail has proved popular with local people and visitors, including some from as far away as America.

Participants can collect stamps at the pubs and send them in to the Rail Partnership to claim a range of free souvenirs, including a souvenir tour T-shirt for anybody completing the trail.

Lyn Winter, from the Rail Partnership, said: "This new version of the Rail Ale Trail takes into account feedback we have received from people who have done the trail and local input from CamraKernow, the Cornish branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

"We hope people will like the new trail, and what better way to spend a day out than travelling this scenic branch line and enjoying a pint in the local pub without having to worry about the drive home?"