EMMA, Herefordshire Council's steam road roller, has been formally entrusted to the Waterworks Museum.

Emma worked on the county's roads for 50 years and was pivotal in the building of the A44 by-pass at Bromyard.

The council took control of Emma in 1920 and she was restored between 1998 and 2001 at Hereford Technical College under the supervision of Tom Walker and Peter Brewer.

Since 2002 Emma was in the care of the Herefordshire Traction Engine and Vintage Club at Much Marcle, where she was frequently displayed at popular annual steam show.

Cllr Brian Wilcox, chairman of Herefordshire Council and Cllr Barry Durkin, cabinet member transport and regulatory services, attended the ceremony on October 30.

Since Emma arrived at the museum in July, she has been enjoyed by nearly 2,000 visitors.

Richard Curtis, museum chairman, said: "It will be some time next year before our Volunteers will have had opportunity to restore Emma to full working order, but we are already looking forward to 2020 and working with Herefordshire Council to celebrate this grand old lady’s 100th birthday.”

Cllr Durkin added: "This wonderful old machine is now entering a new chapter, during which she will help people to discover the history of our county, and we can’t wait to celebrate her centenary in two years’ time.”