New loco helps line break record

Tornado took 18 years to build

A unique steam engine has helped a Leicestershire attraction to break its all-time attendance record.

Tornado is the first new main line steam engine to be constructed for almost 50 years and cost £3m.

It is being tested on tracks at the Great Central Railway in Loughborough and was joined by three original engines at the weekend.

The event attracted an estimated 7,000 passengers to the venue, the highest number since it opened in 1969.

Organisers said some roads had to be closed because of the number of people trying to get to into the event.

Bill Ford, president of the Great Central Railway, said: "This was a wonderful one-off. With Britain's brand new main line steam engine Tornado, Oliver Cromwell, Leander and Lord Nelson coming together we really fulfilled our main line double track image.

"We'd like to thank everyone who turned out to support us. We've got to work on what we can do next year now."