NO STEAM AHEAD

Dry spell forces switch to diesel train for passengers on UK's poshest train

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor [e-mail]

BRITAIN’S poshest train has run out of steam for a slap-up trip from Wrexham this weekend.

Tangmere, an historic former British Railways steam locomotive, was due to have have hauled the 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle over the spectacular Settle-Carlisle line, which this year is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

But the unusually dry weather this spring has led to Network Rail banning steam engines from pulling trains in many parts of the country.

There are fears that sparks from the chimneys could set light to parched vegetation next to the track and cause moorland fires.

Last weekend the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways chose to switch from steam to diesel haulage for the same reason.