COTSWOLD Festival of Steam has secured a rare steam train for its event in May.

'Workhorses of Steam' is the theme of Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway's event from May 27 to 29.

A 'Black Five' (or LMS class 5) has been secured for the festival, which sold more than 4,500 tickets last year.

Chairman of the organising committee, Ray O’Hara commented: “We’re thrilled that 45305 is coming to the railway – in fact, it is only the second time that a ‘Black Five’ has visited our line in preservation, although they did traverse the route in later British Railways steam days.

“This 125-ton engine is owned by the 5305 Locomotive Association and is normally based at the Great Central Railway, Loughborough and we’re grateful to them for allowing us to run it on our line. It will be delivered by road a few days before the event.

“With the home fleet as well, we expect to field at least eight locomotives in steam!”

Locomotive antiquity ranges from 1905 to 1950 – representing half-a-century of steam locomotive development.

A range of activities and entertainment will be on offer at all of the railway’s stations, while a free classic bus service will link the Network Rail Cheltenham Spa station with the GWSR’s Cheltenham Racecourse station.

Tickets for the event are now available online at www.gwsr.com. Advance tickets cost £21 (adult, one day); Child £6 (one day) and family £51 (two adults, three children, one day).