THREE locomotives will be making their first ever appearance at the Severn Valley Railway at this year's Autumn Steam Gala.

Running from Thursday, September 19 to Sunday, September 22, the Railway's flagship gala promises an action-packed four days with its famed all-night running and array of visiting locomotives working a busy schedule of services alongside the SVR's resident engines.

This year, all three of the visiting locomotives will be making their first appearance at the Severn Valley.

The only surviving example of its kind, Southern Railway Q Class No. 30541 is among the star line-up.

Built as No. 541 in 1939, it worked from West Sussex, Bournemouth and Guildford until 1964 when it was withdrawn and sent to Woodham Brothers scrapyard in Barry.

It remained there for almost a decade - however, unlike the other locomotives in its class, it was rescued from the cutter’s torch by preservationists who bought it for £3,250 in 1973.

Following its most recent overhaul, completed in 2015, it has carried the number 30541.

Visitors can watch out for some volcanic action when Southern Railway West Country No. 34092 City of Wells takes to the tracks.

Celebrating its 70th birthday this year, City of Wells is known for its dramatic chimney eruptions when working hard, earning it the nickname Volcano.

Built in 1949, it worked services to the Kent Coast before moving to Salisbury in the early 60s.

Following its withdrawal in 1964, it languished at Woodham Brothers’ scrapyard until being saved by a group from Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in 1971.

Completing the visiting trio is British Railways Standard 4 No. 76017. The 1953-built locomotive, which worked between Southampton and Bournemouth, escaped serious damage during an incident in September 1954 when, while working the goods train from Banbury to Eastleigh, the driver lost control.

76017 ran through the catch point and down an embankment. Luckily no one was hurt and the engine was rescued by cranes.

All three locomotives will be in full-steam throughout the gala alongside the SVR’s home fleet, including the return to steam of recently-overhauled BR Standard 4 No. 75069, joining its visiting counterpart No. 76017 along the line for the event.

Visitors can enjoy a walk-on breakfast train at Bridgnorth and Kidderminster on the Saturday and Sunday mornings, a Guild of Railway Artists exhibition at Kidderminster Railway Museum, overnight running on Friday and Saturday, goods trains, and a miniature railway display at The Engine House.

The SVR’s artist in residence, Rob Rowland will be at Bridgnorth Station’s platform two waiting room and Eardington Halt will be open for visits from 9am to 6pm and will be decorated to represent different decades from the 1900s through to the 1960s throughout each day of the event.

SVR events co-ordinator Lewis Maddox said: “Visitors to this year’s gala can see three fantastic locomotives, including the only one left of its kind in existence, making their very first appearance on our tracks.

"They may even be able to experience the dramatic volcanic displays from City of Wells as it steams along the line.

“We’ve got a jam-packed timetable of steam train services all along the line, not to mention our famed all-night running on Friday and Saturday.

"With art exhibitions, breakfast trains and miniature railway displays, there really is something to see and do for all ages.”

Tickets are now on sale and one-day rover tickets start from £28.80 for adults, £27 for seniors and £19.30 for adults in advance.

To book, or for more information, go to svr.co.uk or call 01562 757900.