Telford Steam Railway has issued an urgent appeal for funds to help purchase a vertical steam tram boiler.

Steam trams were once a familiar sight in UK towns and cities around the turn of the 19th century but were gradually replaced by electric traction.

The railway already has an appeal under way to raise funds for a new boiler but a complete new-build vertical steam boiler has unexpectedly become available at a cost of £8,500.

The race is now on to raise funds quickly to ensure the railway can secure the boiler.

The cost is much lower than the price already quoted for a boiler built from scratch and it will also enable the rare steam tram – named Thomas – to return to service much more quickly than had been anticipated.

Donations can be made by logging on to https://gofund.me/8f7ed996