EXCLUSIVE: Special summer train service plans to link Warminster with Cornwall's No. 1 attraction.

A LUXURY train service is offering to whisk west Wiltshire science and nature fans away to the "eighth wonder of the world".

The Eden Belle, a 508-seater express, will carry passengers on a one-off trip from Warminster to Cornwall's Eden Project next Saturday.

If there is sufficient demand it will pave the way for a regular service to the record-breaking giant greenhouses.

Pathfinder Tours is running the service and boss Peter Watts says 221 tickets have already been sold.

He said: "There is an incredible demand for people to see the Eden Project from all over the area. It is difficult to get to by car, the roads are very crowded and it is not always the best drive.

"We are using the speed of the railway and you can do it comfortably in a day.

"If the travelling public indicates a demand for this type of service we shall consider operating more trains from the Warminster area."

The service will leave Warminster at 8.30am and will be back at 9.30pm, giving passengers the recommended three hours at the attraction.

Mr Watts said: "It is also a really nice journey through Devon and Cornwall.

"The scenery is beautiful so really there are two reasons to enjoy the trip."

Passengers are offered three types of seating on the train. Prices start at £59 for standard class and include the £12 admission to the Eden Project.

The train also offers a premier service for £149 which is based on the world-famous Venice Simplon Orient Express. Bosses at Pathfinder hope their train will offer a similar service to people all over the south west.

Mr Watts said: "We are not quite as extravagant as the Venice train, which is thought to be the best train service in the world, but we do offer a luxury service. There will be silver service so unless you are eating in a top class restaurant you won't get this service anywhere else."

Also stopping at Salisbury, the Eden Belle runs via Exeter and Plymouth to Par, where passengers will be transported by rail or road to the Eden Project.

The huge science attraction was unveiled in 2001 and is described as a "living theatre of plants and people".

The two vast greenhouses are carved into the remains of a disused clay pit near St Austell, Cornwall. One recreates a tropical rainforest climate, while the other houses a temperate climate. They both feature plants shipped in from all over the world.

Warminster mayor Martin Baker said: "I think it is an excellent idea, really superb. Many people drive to the Eden Project, as it is somewhere of national significance. Certainly a direct link would be a great asset to the town and if I'm around that weekend I will certainly be tempted to get on."

Anyone wishing to book tickets can call (01453) 835414.

Eden factfile

The scaffolding used was the largest in the world, earning it a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

More than 1.25m people visit Eden each year and visitors include Prince Charles and Tony Blair.

The largest greenhouse is 240m long, 55m high and 110m wide.

In 50 years' time, the mahogany trees will reach the top of the biggest dome.

Beach Boy Brian Wilson played a concert at the project .