A three-day celebration of steam, featuring guest locomotives, is returning to a heritage railway this summer. 

The Steam Gala will take place on the Mid-Norfolk Railway (MNR) from Friday, June 28 to Sunday, June 30 and it was last held there in 2019.

The five-year break was due to the pandemic and then issues with the line between Dereham and Wymondham, which has now fully reopened. 

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Alongside its resident British Rail Standard 4MT 80078, the MNR has secured two guest steam locomotives for the event. 

Great Western Railways 2-6-2 Large Prairie 4144 is one of the guest locos Picture: F DumbletonGreat Western Railways 2-6-2 Large Prairie 4144 is one of the guest locos Picture: F Dumbleton (Image: F Dumbleton)

These are Great Western Railways 2-6-2 Large Prairie 4144, courtesy of Didcot Railway Centre, and Southern Railways 4-6-2 "Battle of Britain" Class 34072, 257 Squadron, courtesy of Spa Valley Railway and Southern Locomotives.

For the first time in the history of the MNR, they will be operating two trains that will both be running with matching Mk1 and Mk2 maroon carriages. 

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Charlie Robinson, a trustee, said: "Three quite different steam engines will be running the full length of our operating line.

"Special food services, including breakfasts, cream teas and fish and chips will be available - all pre-bookable."

Book tickets at midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/steamgala - prices and pre-booking for dining trains will be available soon.