THE search is on for a World War II steam train believed to be buried somewhere in the county.

The incredible hunt is being carried out by the Herefordshire Lore group, who have investigated claims that the Royal Ordnance Factory in Rotherwas disposed of the train in a water-filled gravel pit because it was surplus to requirements.

The rumour has existed for some time, but thanks to the group's thorough research, which consisted of 2,000 interviews with former employees of the factory, fact has turned rumour into reality.

Former Herefordian Ken Hyett heard the story from his father, Fred, who worked in the maintenance section of the factory in 1942/3, and explained just why the factory decided to bury the train.

"An inventory was received from the Ministry of Defence explaining that an impending inspection was to be carried out," he said.

"The inventory stated one railway steam engine when, alas the factory had two. In order to comply with the inventory, railway lines were laid to the edge of a nearby disused gravel pit, already filled with water; the excess steam engine was fired up and driven into the pit where it sank out of sight," he added.

Herefordshire Lore co-ordinator Bill Laws confirmed the importance of the new evidence.

"We've heard rumours about this train, but this is the first piece of solid evidence," he said.

The group is now studying aerial photographs taken by German spy planes to try to locate the secret position of the concealed train, and the group has identified one possible burial ground.

"There were water-filled pits dotted all around the site in case of fire and rail lines covered the whole site. However, the old Hereford to Ross line passed close to one significant pit that still stands near Rotherwas chapel," added Mr Laws.

The group is gathering as much information as possible and has appealed to Hereford Times readers for help to uncover the whereabouts of the steam train.

Meanwhile, further research by the group has dispelled a popular story that the bombing of the Rotherwas factory in July, 1942, was not the result of a chance German raid.

Committee member Ken Hursey has revealed that the attack, which claimed 23 lives, was planned to destroy two explosive filling sheds in the corner of the factory.

Both reports can be read in full in the Herefordshire Lore's newsletter, Age to Age.