This weekend is presenting the final opportunity to travel behind a legendary locomotive.

Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has scheduled the final appearances of No 21C127 ‘Taw Valley’ for Saturday and Sunday (April 27-28).

The locomotive will make two round trips of the line on both days, starting from Kidderminster at 10am.

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Following its last runs, the locomotive will enter the workshops for an intermediate overhaul and repaint.

The machine is expected to reemerge in 2025, sporting a lined BR green livery and carrying the number 34027.

SVR’s managing director, Jonathan 'Gus' Dunster, said: "We’ve seen a bit more of this loco in its current guise than we originally expected.

"Especially as we decided to draft it back into service for our four-day Spring Steam Gala last weekend.

"And if you fancy a final trip behind it as 21C127, painted black, you won’t want to miss your chance this weekend."

He added: “You might remember that this is the same locomotive that caused a worldwide stir in 2022 when it appeared in a striking purple livery, numbered as No 70, and renamed as ‘Elizabeth II’ in commemoration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

"Some people thought it was controversial for us to do this, others loved it, and it certainly paid great dividends in terms of publicity and attracting passengers, as well as making a wonderful tribute to the now-late Queen.”