Express & Star

Duchess a shining star at Severn Valley Railway Autumn Steam Gala - with pictures

It's full steam ahead this weekend as hundreds of train enthusiast gather for the annual Severn Valley Railway Autumn Steam Gala.

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The Duchess of Sutherland is a star attraction for the weekend Autumn Steam Gala on the Severn Valley Railway, which is attracting around 6,000 visitors

The flagship event is well underway with visiting locomotives running from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster.

The event, which runs until Sunday evening, is one of the biggest in the railway's calendar.

"We are all really excited," said Severn Valley Railway marketing assistant Lewis Maddox.

The Severn Valley Railway Autumn Steam Gala

"We can't wait to welcome everyone and have lots of beautiful engines on show.

"It's going to be one of the biggest weekends of the year."

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Organisers have estimated that around 6,000 people will be attending the four-day event, with many travelling from different locations around the UK.

Lewis said: "We have four visiting engines from all over the country, the Duchess of Sutherland is looking magnificent with her crimson bodywork.

"We also have a 100-year-old engine from North Yorkshire, which has never been this far south before.

"Then there's the Royal Scot, which has travelled to America and finally the Britannia, which is a former resident of the Severn Valley Railway."

According to organisers, trains can be spotted on the platform edge every 45 minutes to an hour.

Author of Peter's Railway books, Chris Vine, is also at The Engine House at Highley to sign books and chat to young engineers.