Rochdale sees the return of the last steam engine

Children and teenagers helped the engineers with the restoration

When considering the age of steam most think of the Industrial Revolution, so it's surprising to learn that it almost stretched well into the 21st Century.

While it may seem inconceivable, the last steam engine powering a factory was still running in the 1980s.

That huge machine, a 30-ton Marsden horizontal single cylinder steam engine, was finally stopped in 1988.

But this sleeping giant is back in action at Rochdale's Ellenroad Steam Museum after being lovingly restored.

End of an era

It was the last ever steam engine to run in a British factory and has sat silently in ten huge pieces rusting away since it was dismantled.

However, following its donation to the Rochdale museum, and a restoration project funded by a People's Millions prize of £48,000, it has roared back into action.

Bernard Rostron, Chairman of Ellenroad Steam Museum Society, says it is an important engine because "it's an example of the period of steam which sadly came to an end with this engine."

It's a beautiful piece of engineering Bernard Rostron, Chairman of Ellenroad Steam Museum Society

"Although not originally from Rochdale or even the textile industry - it was built for Wm. Barker & Sons Ltd Tannery in Otley, West Yorkshire - our Marsden is recognised as the last steam engine to run a factory in the UK.

"On the 8th July 1988, it was shut down and has sadly been left to rust until we were given the opportunity to rescue it.

"We're delighted with all the hard work everyone who have helped us achieve this great success."

Bernard says that getting the engine working again was a special moment for everyone involved, especially as it was in such poor repair when the museum received it.

"The first impression when you walked around it was 'never, never', he said. "But the engineers could visualise it and, bit-by-bit, it has gradually got back in shape.

"This weekend, when the coat of paint went on, all of a sudden, it looked the part and it came back to life.

"It's a beautiful piece of engineering."

The engine had its official opening in front of all of Greater Manchester's mayors on Tuesday 9 February and is now open to the public.

Entry to the Ellenroad Steam Museum is £3 for adults, £2 for concessions.