Thousands watched on Saturday as steam locomotive Oliver Cromwell toured the county's railways.

Starting from Waterloo, the Britannia class locomotive ran to Folkestone where it formed what will probably be the last train to use the Folkestone harbour branch.

Later the train ran to Ashford and then to Canterbury West where its passengers enjoyed a break in the city.

In the afternoon the locomotive and train continued its tour through Thanet and Herne Bay, stopping for water at Whitstable before heading back to London.

Almost every station, bridge and vantage point was occupied, a testament to the country's continuing affection for steam locomotives.

Oliver Cromwell was one of four locomotives that hauled British Railway's last steam hauled train in August 1968.

The locomotive, owned by the National Railway Museum at York, has recently been returned to operational condition and has been employed on numerous special trains.

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