THIS bank holiday weekend is the final time for locals to see and enjoy the Swindon built 2-8-0 tank 4247 in action at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway.

Volunteers at the heritage railway at Blunsdon are hoping to give the locomotive a good send-off after two busy weekends of hauling passengers along the line.

Adrian Brodie of the Swindon and Cricklade Railway said: "Having returned to its - almost 'birthplace', it is particularly apt during the year celebrating 175 years since the founding of the Swindon works.

"And to make things easier, all three days are “Kids Go Free” days, when every fare paying adult or senior can take a child along for free."

The locomotive was built in 1916 at a cost of £2,918, and the principal role of this class was working the 1,000 plus ton coal trains from the pits to the ports in South Wales, a job which required a high tractive effort, due to the train weights and steep gradients, and good steaming capabilities.

Whilst the majority of the class worked predominantly in South Wales a few locomotives, including No 4247, also spent time on similar work on china clay trains in Cornwall.

During its career with the GWR and, later, British Railways the locomotive was based in South Wales, but also worked out of St Blazey shed in the 1950s. It was withdrawn in 1964, ending up in Woodham’s scrapyard in Barry.

4247 was rescued from there by the 4247 Preservation Society in 1985. After an extensive restoration, the engine returned to steam in 2001, and since then it has worked on several heritage railways.

The locomotive is now based at the Bodmin and Wenford Railway.

Mr Brodie said: "During the first two weekends, the now - officially - antique locomotive has proved very popular, drawing in good crowds."

Tickets for adults cost £10, while senior tickets cost £9.

For further details call 01793 771615, or visit www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org.