New life was breathed into efforts to restore ex-Great Western Railway light prairie steam locomotive No. 4566 in May when the 4566 Preservation Group was officially granted charity status.

The Group was formed in the preservation fervour of 1968, and has now been resurrected with it officially becoming a charity. At the moment 4566 is in The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley but the group’s ambitious plans mean it will need to move out from there.

A boost to the Group’s fundraising has come from a collaboration with the Kidderminster recycling company AG Recycling which is allowing supporters to drop off scrap metal at their premises at Finepoint Way in Kidderminster and ask for the proceeds to be paid directly to the 4566 Preservation Group. Two can-recycling bins have also been installed at Kidderminster Town station to provide further contributions to the fund.

Trustee Sheena Strevens said: “A new board of trustees has been formed with current or former SVR volunteers from diverse departments bringing a wealth of experience. Three are original team members and another trio has deep ties to the successful ‘Friends of Hagley Hall’ project. Now with a presence on social media, the group are promoting both the project and the wider SVR.

“The urgent need to support the SVR with the costs of an overhaul of 4566 has prompted the group to set an ambitious fundraising target of £500,000, and both one-off donations and regular giving can be set up at 4566.org.uk .

“We kicked off with a sales stand raising more than £4,000 over the spring and autumn steam galas. The momentum will continue at the upcoming Winter Steam Gala, with a treasure trove of goodies and rare pieces for enthusiasts!”

Sheena added: “It’s not just about reliving the past; it’s about preserving it too. We will focus on both the restoration of the locomotive and educating future generations, for whom free-to-print educational resources will soon to be available on the website. Get ready for a ride through time as this group starts out towards its £500,000 goal, fuelled by community support and a shared love for the railways.”