Tanfield Railway is hosting a meeting of railway legends as Furness Railway No. 20, Britain’s oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive, will appear at the Great North Festival of Railways this May.

The locomotive was built in 1863, making it Britain’s oldest working standard gauge steam engine to star at Tanfield and will run passenger services on the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 10th and 11th May.

The 0-4-0 tender engine is visiting courtesy of the Furness Railway Trust and will appear alongside Tanfield’s historic fleet.

Twizell will be there after its recent major restoration, and Stanley, which has been unveiled with a new repaint.

Visitors can not only ride behind Furness No. 20, but they can also explore Causey Arch and tour the Marley Hill engine shed.

There will be numerous stands across the site and live musical performances.

In order to attend the Great North Festival of Railways, booking in advance is recommended online.

“Furness No. 20’s visit is a historic moment for Tanfield and a fitting way to mark 300 years of railway innovation. We’re thrilled to combine steam trains, live music, model railways and hands-on heritage displays to create an unmissable event for enthusiasts and families alike.”

David Watchman, General Manager of Tanfield Railway