TRAIN enthusiasts were thrilled on Wednesday as they got chance to see an iconic steam engine pass through Herefordshire.

The 70000 Britannia was taking the Saphos Tour 'Welsh Marches Express', through the rolling hills of Shropshire into Herefordshire before making a visit to Cardiff.

Hereford Times: The 70000 passing through Herefordshire. Picture: Tom Gibbard

The train came into the county through Woofferton before passing through Leominster at 11.45am, Moreton-on-Lugg, Hereford, Tram Inn and Pontrilas.

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The train reported to Cardiff Central at 1.49pm.

Hereford Times: The Welsh Marches Express pulled by Britannia 70000 passing through Stokesay. Picture: John Savery

On its return journey the train is due to Pontrilas (5.18pm), Tram Inn (5.24pm), Hereford (5.31pm), Shelwick Junction (5.34pm), Moreton-on-Lugg (5.37pm) and Leominster (5.44pm).

The 70000 Britannia was built more than 20 years later in 1951 and was initially based at Stratford to work East Anglian expresses to Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

But 15 years later, Britannia was withdrawn from service.