A SWINDON legend returned yesterday in preparation for the 175th anniversary of the rail works celebrations taking place next year.

On the back of a lorry, the King George V locomotive rolled into town having travelled down from Birmingham.

In the coming days the iconic engine will be moved into place in the Steam museum where, alongside the City of Truro, it will form the centrepiece of next year’s celebrations.

The King George V was the most powerful locomotive ever produced at the Swindon works and remains close to the hearts of many. A small crowd gathered to witness its arrival.

“To have the King George back to support the Swindon 175 celebrations next year is brilliant,” said Ian Surtees, the manager of Steam.

“It is such an iconic locomotive and is a great tribute to the people of the former Swindon railway works to have her back home.

“It’s taken about three years to negotiate the move from the National Railway Museum so it has not been a quick process but I am delighted it is here and will shortly be joined by the City of Truro.”

Moving the giant locomotive has not been an easy task, with Steam needing to close for a fortnight while the existing trains are moved out.

Ian said: “They are both travelling down from Birmingham so we have had to coordinate with police, highways authorities and local authorities.

“We knew it was going to be a long job which is why we had to do it this year. It means we will have time to get the displays ready for next year.”

A deal has been struck with the National Rail Museum, which is in York, meaning the locomotives can remain in Swindon for up to five years.

In order to accommodate both engines, current loans Lode Star and the Diesel Railcar are returning to the National Railway Museum in exchange.

Next year is set to be a big year to mark the important date in the town’s history.

On February 25, 1841 GWR directors authorised the establishment of the railway works in Swindon, after the town was identified by Daniel Gooch as being the ideal place for GWR’s central repair works. Construction started immediately and a new Swindon was born.

As well as the return of the two locomotives, Swindon175 will see a year-long programme of events next year throughout the town to commemorate the anniversary which will be featured in the Adver with details also at www.swindon175.com.