AN extremely rare event occurred last weekend as a working steam locomotive returned to Radcliffe.

Preserved East Lancashire Railway engine, Swiftsure, was helping with engineering works between Radcliffe and Whitefield during the early hours of Sunday morning, September 27.

The engine was photographed during a quick stop at Radcliffe Metrolink Station by Nigel Valentine.

East Lancs Railway spokesman Richard Barnett said: “We often provide engineering assistance on the Bury to Manchester line and normally we provide a diesel for this duty.

“However due to ongoing maintenance work with the diesel that 'fits' on the line we needed to provide an alternative solution in the form of steam. Hence this very rare event taking place.

“The ELR often provide support to engineering operations through the provision of a locomotive and ballast wagons. We are pleased as a local tourist attraction to be able to support such works.”

The Bury line, converted for Metrolink use in 1991, was previously electrified in 1916.

Richard added that the last known steam hauled service operating through Radcliffe was withdrawn in 1953, meaning its possibly the first time in 62 years that a steam engine has visited the station.

About Swiftsure:-

Number 75008 Swiftsure was originally built for the war department in 1943 by Hunslet Engine Company of Hunslet, Leeds.

It was one of many of the Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST class - designed for shunting and which became the standard British shunting locomotive during the Second World War.