New Hogwarts Express - from scrapyard to series

The locomotive was restored by volunteers

Since the new Harry Potter TV series was announced in 2023, we have revealed lots of details and we've got more up our magical sleeves for you.

If you think it's more actors confirmed to be involved, I'm afraid you aren't quite on the right track this time - but it is still a major part of the Potter universe.

A steam locomotive that looked like it was going to be scrapped, will now be used for the role of the famous Hogwarts Express.

The locomotive - called Wightwick Hall - was saved from a scrapyard in Barry Island in South Wales in 1978 and has been lovingly restored by volunteers.

Olton Hall was the engine previously used in Harry Potter films

Olton Hall - the train which originally carried Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in the movies - was also rescued from the scrapyard.

In fact, it came from the same one.

Volunteers from Buckinghamshire Railway Centre spent 40 years restoring Wightwick Hall after it was saved from being scrapped.

The Quainton Railway Society, which runs the centre, said it was "extremely proud" that it would "play the role of the iconic locomotive".

The Glenfinnan Viaduct was made famous thanks to scenes with the Hogwarts Express in the films

Wightwick Hall is currently in use on a line near Brighton.

Those looking after it say trains like it need to be kept running to keep them in working condition.

Soon it will be swapping Brighton for Hogwarts via platform 9 ¾.

It's due to be used for filming for around six months - with members of the team at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre nearby to make sure the engine is maintained properly.

It can then begin its magical journey into the world of Harry Potter.