THE LAST of the world's steam locomotives are the subject of an exhibition by a renowned railway photographer at the Steam Museum this weekend.

Large colour images depicting an array of smoky, fire-spitting trains from all corners of the globe are Colin Garratt's tribute to the age of steam.

For the past 30 years, Colin has been photographing the last working steam engines from places as far afield as Africa, the Middle East, Alaska and Asia.

As well capturing hundreds of images on film, he has also written more than 50 books on railways, travel and photography and will be giving a talk for the Festival of Literature next Thursday.

He said: "Britain was the first country in the globe to phase out the steam engine, so I thought a document of the remaining steam locomotives should be made before they too are phased out.

"The purpose of this document is to take a romantic look at steam locomotives and travel. The exhibition is not just meant for rail enthusiasts, but for the widest general audience."

He says his favourite photo is of a Bengali cattle boy wearing blue pants and a red scarf sitting on a tributary of the Ganges as a locomotive crosses an aquaduct in the background.

Despite making a living by travelling around the world, Colin has no intention of putting his camera to rest.

"There are a lot of veteran engines still in action around the world," he said. "China is the principal country for surviving steam engines. I have a lot more work to do there."

Tim Bryan, Steam interpretation and collections manager, said: "We are delighted to be able to display Colin Garratt's fascinating exhibition documenting the last steam locomotives across the world.

"He is a very well known and highly respected photographer and travel writer. Colin's photographs are rich in colour and detail. They capture beautiful scenes of steam locomotives in operation in some of the most remote parts of the earth.

"The images are so interesting because they show not only the locomotives, but the landscape and people in countries such as India and China."

The Last Steam Locomotives runs from today until Sunday, June 30, and is accompanied by a talk by Colin Garratt on Thursday. Entrance to the display is included in the normal Steam admission charge.

Thursday's live presentation is at 7pm at Steam and tickets cost £4 for adults or £3 concessions. For further information contact Steam on Swindon 466655.