Steam locomotive Oliver Cromwell makes landmark journey

The steam locomotive was built at Crewe for British Railways in May 1951

A steam passenger train service has run from London's Euston station to Corfe Castle and Swanage in Dorset for the first time.

Locomotive the Oliver Cromwell made the six-hour journey pulling the 10-coach Swanage Belle train with 500 passengers.

Martin Payne, Swanage Railway said: "Everyone is very excited about making railway history."

The 67ft (20m) engine hauled the last steam train on British Rail in 1968.

"It's a real beast and is a very impressive sight," added Mr Payne.

At Swanage station, the locomotive will be swapped with 1940s locomotive 34067 Tangmere which will be hauling the charter train back to London's Kensington Olympia station.

The 60-year-old Oliver Cromwell, which carries seven tons of coal and 4,250 gallons of water in its tender, originally ran express services between London and Norwich.

During its 10-year service it ran 698,000 miles and hauled freight, parcels and passenger trains.

It is owned by the National Railway Museum.