WATCH: 1,000 flock to Chasewater Railway to say farewell to historic engine

The annual winter gala held at that the Staffordshire site marked the farewell of the green Nechells Number 4 that is being withdrawn for a well deserved boiler service and refit.

But she is being replaced for the time being by the blue fronted Hollybank Number 3 engine that was purchased with the help of a legacy left to the railway project.

Volunteer Dan Weekes said: "Nechells Number 4 has been in residence here for a while, but the time has come for her 10-year overhaul. She will return in the near future. Hollybank has been well received. She has been here for some time, but was unable to be steamed. Saturday was the first time that she was steamed in three years which was quite a treat for everyone.

"The weekend has gone really well. It was the start of out 2015 season. We will be open now until December."

Hollybank Number 3 was previously known as Darfield Number 1 locomotive dating back to 1953. Renamed Hollybank, it was built by Leeds-based Hunslet Engine Company in 1953 and weighs 38 tons.

Guests at the festival included exhibits from the National Railway Museum, in York, and from Foxfield Railway, in Stoke-on-Trent.

A Midland horse drawn railway carriage donated to Chasewater in the 1960s is also now on display at in the heritage centre after being on loan to Shugborough.

The railway, which features a four-mile track on the old colliery line, is run by a team of around 40 volunteers.

Trains are now running every Saturday and Sunday from 11am with the last trip at 4pm. Some mid week services will operate at Easter for the school holiday break.

The next major event will be the Coal Train Day on June 21 at the site at Chasewater Country Park, in Pool Road, Burntwood.