The Bluebell Railway Trust has launched an appeal for funding to restore one of its locomotives.

SECR P Class Tank Engine No. 323 ‘Bluebell’ is one of the railways most popular locomotives and is planned to be restored to service.

The loco has been hidden away for the last five years, and last year it was decided that it would be restored.

The initial plan involved taking the boiler from no.178 to speed up the restoration and reduce costs.

However, after compulsory testing was carried out, no. 178’s boiler was revealed to be in worse condition that initially thought, making it unusable.

A new restoration plan has now been created, which is why they are appealing for funding. The previous plan would’ve had Bluebell and two other locomotives restored.

The restoration will cost around £150,000. With the generous donations, they aim to have the loco restored by 2025 or 2026.

Donations can be made online, by bank transfer and by cheque, further information on how to do this can be found on their website.