RAF achievements are remembered in special Severn Valley Railway ceremony
Hundreds of guests remembered the achievements of a Battle of Britain RAF commander as a steam locomotive carrying his name was re-dedicated in his honour at a ceremony at the Severn Valley Railway.
Generations of Sir Keith Park's relatives joined dignitaries and hundreds of railway enthusiasts for the event at the heritage attraction at the weekend.
His great nephew Terence Stevens joined guest of honour The Right Honourable Sir Lockward Smith, the New Zealand High Commissioner, who unveiled the nameplate in Sir Keith's honour during the ceremony at Kidderminster town railway station.
Air Vice Marshal Sir Keith Park was a First World War fighter pilot and Royal Air Force commander in the Second World War.
The locomotive 34053 was dedicated to the New Zealander in 1947 but the engine sat decaying for around 20 years in a South Wales scrapyard after it was decommissioned.
However, following a 12-year restoration project by Dorset based Southern Locomotives the engine returned to service on the Severn Valley Railway last year.
Three RAF veterans who fought in the Battle of Britain also attended the ceremony before hopping on board the train for a trip along the 16-mile line to Bridgnorth.
Mr Stevens-Prior said: "It is pleasure and an honour to be here on behalf of the Park family for the recommissioning of this stunning locomotive.
Severn Valley Railway general manager Nick Ralls added: "The Sir Keith Park has proved a very popular locomotive. You cannot deny that it is an impressive machine."
