RAIL enthusiasts had the chance to enjoy a glimpse of the glory days of steam when a magnificent engine passed through Whitchurch this week.

The ex British Rail Standard Class 7 No 70000 Britannia pulled the Welsh Marches Express through Whitchurch Railway Station towards Cardiff along the Welsh Marches Line on Wednesday, May 4.

The train was spotted and photographed by Whitchurch resident William Webb, for whom the engine's appearance brought back some fond – and familiar – memories.

"It made me feel nostalgic," he said. "I spent many hours trainspotting at the station as a boy.

"I remembered seeing the 70000 pass through several times during her working life on British Rail."

The train subsequently made the return journey through Whitchurch.

The Britannia is a preserved steam locomotive with the 4-6-2 Pacific wheel configuration.