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Vintage steam train helps mark railway's 150 years

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Workmen offload materials from the steam train with the name "Katie" on the side of its locomotive.Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
The track is being upgraded ahead of its 150th anniversary

A vintage steam engine has been helping mark a railway attraction's 150th anniversary.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway - known by locals as La'al Ratty, meaning little railway in Cumbrian dialect - is reaching the milestone in 2025.

The 1896 engine, named Katie, has been used to transport materials to renovate the track ahead of the celebrations.

Operations manager Keith Herbert said the work would help "keep the La'al Ratty alive".

The line connects the Lake District National Park's only coastal village, Ravenglass, and Dalegarth in the Eskdale Valley, running along a scenic seven-mile (11km) route.

Katie is usually kept on display in the Ravenglass Railway Museum and is only brought out and steamed on special events.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Workmen load materials onto a flat trailer attached to a steam train. The train is pictured from behind with workmen around it. They are within woods along the track.Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Katie is a 1896 vintage engine usually on display at the Ravenglass Railway Museum

Mr Herbert said: "Echoing the work of a century-and-a-half prior, Katie has been moving materials for this winter's track renewals in Mill Wood."

To mark the start of the celebrations for the line's anniversary, as well 200 years of railways nation-wide, there will be a "whistle up" event at 12:00 GMT.

Passengers will be able to hear River Mite, which carries an ex-LMS Stanier hooter, and Whillan Beck, with an ex-South African Railways three-chime, when they cross paths at Fisherground loop.

The original Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, known as the Owd Ratty, opened in 1875.

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