THE steam train from the newly-released Paddington 2 movie will make a stop-off in Bromsgrove as part of its first rail tour.

Tornado, the first new mainline steam locomotive to be built in Britain in 50 years, will be hauling The Sulis & Sarum Express to Bromsgrove Railway Station in March, before journeying on to Bath and Salisbury.

The engine is also the only preserved steam locomotive to reach speeds of 100mph.

On board the train, and making sure it runs in good working order, will be two Bromsgrove rail enthusiasts Katie Pearson and her boyfriend Ben McDonald, who have volunteered as part of the support crew.

Katie, 28, said: "We'll basically be going out with the engine as it leaves Birmingham and we'll be there beforehand to clean it and make sure it's all oiled up, ready to go.

"On the big day, one of us will be on the footplate alongside the engine crew constantly, while the other helps out at each stop to make sure the locomotive is still in good condition."

Katie, who works full-time at Let's Connect in Stoke Prior, became interested in steam engines after Ben, 27, took her out on one several years ago.

Since then, the pair have been spending their weekends and holidays volunteering with local heritage railway groups.

No.60162 Tornado will depart from Bromsgrove at 9am on Saturday, March 24, before travelling by way of Bristol Parkway and Dr Day's Junction towards the West Country.

The journey back will be via the same route, which means the train will encounter the legendary Lickey Incline - the steepest sustained mainline gradient in Britain - before arriving back in Bromsgrove at 8.40pm.

For more information, or to book tickets, call UK Railtours on 01438 715050.