Mainline test for new steam loco

The loco made its first self-powered journey in Darlington

The first steam engine built to run on the UK mainline for almost 50 years is leaving its County Durham home to undergo performance trials.

Tornado was funded and assembled by steam enthusiasts in Darlington, in an 18-year project costing £3m.

The 72ft (22 metre) engine - based on the Peppercorn A1 locomotive - was unveiled last month.

After initial tests the train now travels to the Great Central Railway in Leicestershire for mainline trials.

Once fully running and certified it will be used to haul charter trains operating on Network Rail.

Mark Allatt, chairman of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, said: "Today is a bitter sweet day for the trust because Tornado is leaving Darlington after 11 years of construction.

"However, she is now ready to stretch her legs on the Great Central Railway, Britain's only double track, mainline heritage railway, where she will be tested at speeds of up to 60mph in preparation for her Network Rail debut in the autumn."

Bill Ford, president of the Great Central Railway added: "This is a terrific honour for the GCR. Tornado has been the talk of the railway enthusiast community for years, but now she's finally ready to run."

The loco is due to pull the first passenger carriages on 21 September.