A TORNADO will once again be steaming through West Somerset later this year.

But cameras not brollies will be the order of the day as the first mainline steam locomotive built in this country for nearly five decades arrives on the West Somerset Railway.

A1 Class Pacific locomotive 60163 'Tornado' will be working trains over the heritage line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead from June 12-16 and September 13 to 17.

Paul Conibeare, the railway's general manager, said the engine would work two round trips over the line on each day.

He added: “In over three decades of operation the only engines which have attracted as much interest from both the enthusiasts and the general public have been 'Evening Star' and 'Duke of Gloucester'. This is a tribute to the wonderful achievement of the A1 Locomotive Trust in creating this magnificent steam locomotive.

“Not merely was its last visit very popular with the public but our footplate crews greatly enjoyed the opportunity to drive and fire 'Tornado'. We look forward to seeing both the locomotive and the Trust back with us.”

The £3million locomotive, built by volunteers over nearly 20 years, can reach a top speed of 100mph.