Working steam engines will return to Swindon's Steam museum next month.

The museum of the Great Western Railway will run the engines on a specially-laid 180m line over the weekend of September 17 and 18.

The demonstration will be part of the 2005 Swindon Railway Convention, which celebrates Swindon's railway heritage and the greatness of the GWR.

This year, visitors will be able to ride behind a pannier tank engine and another working classic tank engine will also be on display.

The convention, which is in its fifth year, will bring together locomotives and rolling stock, and model railways.

There will be talks by Adrian Vaughan, a respected biographer of Brunel, and many trade stands. Music producer and railway fanatic Pete Waterman will display his impressive 'Just Like The Real Thing' models.

Also featured will be an exhibition of GWR uniforms dating from when the railways began right up to the present day.

Today's railways will also be represented, with visitors able to view First Great Western's new Mk III carriages, together with new railway technologies from QinetiQ.

Coun Justin Tomlinson, cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation, said: "The Swindon Railway Convention is a marvellous event for young and old, enthusiasts and families. With live steam again at Steam, no visitor will go away disappointed."

Tickets are £6.60 for adults and £4.20 for children.

There are also family deals available.