Legendary locomotives attract thousands of visitors to Severn Valley Railway

Iconic locomotive the Flying Scotsman and steam engine Tornado starred in the railway’s Autumn Steam Gala Pacific Power event from September 22-26.

More than 15,000 tickets were sold and an estimated 30,000 extra spectators visited during a six-day period, which also included the SVR Charitable Trust Charity Day on September 21.

Clare Gibbard, marketing and communications manager at the SVR, said: "The whole event has been an incredible feat of organisation by both the staff and incredible volunteers.

"Everyone here has worked so hard for so many months and the fact that the event has gone so smoothly, in spite of unprecedented visitor numbers, is testament to the team’s meticulous planning, diligence and dedication.

"We’re delighted we’ve brought so much joy to so many people these last few days and it has been worth the significant investment we made to bring Scotsman to the Severn Valley.

"We’d also like to thank the public for their support too. We brought visitors from far and wide – even from as far as the Netherlands - and the generosity of local residents had been incredible.

"From landowners along the line who’ve opened up their fields for viewing points to spectators who came along to see these amazing engines along the line and donated many thousands of pounds to boost vital station funds."

Excited train-enthusiasts were overjoyed with their ticket to ride the legendary Scotsman.

Matt Stimpton, 49, of Ironbridge, who came with wife Janet, 50, said: "The chance to be here is amazing. It is such an amazing and legendary train.

"It is the dream of what a railway train should be."

Annette Holliday, 58, from Poole, said: "It’s great to be here. It gives people the chance to dress up and see a train from a different era.

"It is a throwback to a bygone generation."

Barbara Home, 74, of Bridgnorth, added: "To be here is to be part of history. This train has been everywhere."