ONE of the most famous Swindon-built locomotives will be returning to Wiltshire for the second time in six months. The City of Truro is to run on the Swindon and Cricklade Railway for two days next month.

In September it came home and featured in the Swindon Railway Convention at the Steam Museum.

It was built at Swindon works in 1903, and went on to make history a year later when it was reputed to have become the first to exceed 100mph, on a journey between Plymouth and Paddington.

Great Western management feared such a high speed would cause adverse comment from the public and did not make this achievement known for many years.

The achievement saved the locomotive from being scrapped in the early 1930s, and it has recently been restored to running order.

Russell Wear, spokesman for the railway, said: "If the City of Truro weekend is the success it deserves to be, it will also give valuable encouragement to seek similar visits from other historic locomotives."

Tickets for the event on March 5 and 6 will cost £6 for adults, and £4 for children and seniors. The train will operate between 10am and 5pm each day.

A family ticket will also be available for £18.

Free parking is available at Blunsdon Station, where other facilities include a caf and shop.

For more information visit www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org.