LOCOMOTIVE lovers and families flocked to Swanage at the weekend for the annual Spring Steam Gala.

This year's event, hosted by Swanage Railway, saw the first ever visit of a Schools class express locomotive, Cheltenham, alongside the popular 70000 Britannia and resident Manston engines.

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The 925 Cheltenham, which hauled passenger trains between Norden, Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross and Swanage throughout the weekend, delighted photographers, youngsters and pensioners reliving the days of their youth alike.

Bournemouth Echo:

Swanage Railway acting general manager Matt Green said: "It has been a very enjoyable weekend, there is a great buzz about the place.

"The weather has been fantastic for the many photographers who have come to visit from as far away as Northampton, and we are very pleased with the passenger numbers.

"It was a real treat to see the Britannia and the Manston running side-by-side, they are crack express engines and a nice connection to the local area.

Bournemouth Echo:

"The spring gala is always popular, and there is quite a following for the different engines.

"And it takes a few people back. We had a couple who travelled yesterday in two Bulleid carriages hauled by the M7, who said it was exactly what they remembered from the Swanage branch in the 1960s."

Weighing 109 tonnes and carrying five tonnes of coal and 4,000 gallons of water, the locomotive ‘Cheltenham’ was built at Eastleigh Works, Hampshire.

The class hauled trains on the main line through Wareham and Bournemouth. Its fastest recorded speed was 95mph, achieved near Wool Railway Station in 1938.

Bournemouth Echo:

It is now based on the Mid-Hants Railway, which is responsible for the locomotive’s care and maintenance on behalf of the National Railway Museum in York.

Other attractions at the weekend included the award-winning Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum, goods shed museum and exhibitions, and the steam engine Cloister.

Swanage Railway is hosting a number of other popular annual events this year, with a Diesel Gala on May 8-10, the Transport Rally on September 4-6 and the Autumn Steam Gala on October 16-18.

For more information visit swanagerailway.co.uk.