A STEAM locomotive which has been restored to its former glory in the Forest was one of the highlights of the first weekend of the Dean Forest Railway’s wartime gala.

The Austerity saddle tank loco Rennes, which was restored by Forest-based Western Steam Engineering, was rededicated by Colonel David Ronald, the commander-in-chief of the Longmore Military Railway in Hampshire where the engine spent much of its life.

He said: “They’ve done a marvellous job in overhauling Rennes, even its very distinctive paintwork.”

Col Ronald was flanked by Emma and Dave Rudge, the standard bearers of the Lydney branch of the Royal British Legion as he unveiled the nameplate.

Among the work was a complete overhaul of the cab with new copperwork made by traditional methods.

The engine was built in Newcastle in 1944 fitted in perfectly with the wartime theme which included historic vehicles and re-enactors and even a ‘camp’ at Parkend station.

It even included a tank, which was brought from Longhope by Chris Phelps and Mark Williams.

The new-look Rennes was joined by another ‘Austerity’ loco, Sapper, and the Dean Forest Railway’s own Prairie tank engine 5541.

The three made up a ‘triple header’ to run a service from Lydney Junction to Parkend.

The Mayor of Lydney, Cllr Bob Berryman, also visited the railway to officially open the new station cafe at its main site at Norchard.

He said: “The Dean Forest Railway is a valuable asset to the economy of the area.

“The café is a fantastic facility and I wish it every success.”

The gala, which continues this weekend with the addition of another ‘Austerity’ loco, Swiftsure, will see £1 from every ticket sale go to the Lydney branch of the Royal British Legion.

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.