WALKERS are being invited to take part in a sponsored event to raise money for Swindon and Cricklade Railway’s new steam engine, Spartan.

The walk will take place on Saturday, February 28, and offers a rare opportunity to officially walk along the railway line.

The seven-mile trek begins at the Mouldon Hill/Taw Valley Halt, with participants winding their way to Cricklade, before returning to Hayes Knoll for a tour of the engine shed for those interested.

Walkers stroll back to Blunsdon for tea, coffee and cake, before the final stretch back to the Mouldon Hill/Taw Valley Halt.

Bill Daly, who is organising the walk for the railway, said: “As an incentive, any individual who raises more than £500 will get a free driver taster experience on our new steam engine.”

The maroon Tkh 0-6-0 tank locomotive was built in 1953 by the Fablok company in Chrzanov, Poland.

A long-standing resident at the Spa Valley Railway, near Royal Tunbridge Wells, it was on the market for a time before it was bought by Swindon and Cricklade Railway.

The locomotive was transported by road to the railway, in Blunsdon.

Dave Peacey, vice-chairman of the heritage steam railway, said: “It’s great that the railway is finally, after all these years, going to own a steam locomotive.

“This new buy has about three and a half years of its current boiler certificate left, and will fulfil the railway’s need for an operational steam locomotive.”

For more details about the walk, or sponsorship forms, call Bill Daly on 01793 778110, or email daly1968@hotmail.com

Alternatively, visit www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org for more information.