RAIL fans got a treat when a rare locomotive rolled into town.

The A4 Union of South Africa engine will spend tonight (Tuesday, May 14) at Stanhope Station in Weardale, County Durham.

The locomotive and its 12 carriages are in the area as part of an eight day tour of the UK being run by Steam Dreams.

Around a dozen enthusiasts waited at Bishop Auckland station this afternoon to see it come through on its way up to Stanhope.

The locomotive arrived in Bishop Auckland at 3.15pm, 45 minutes later than expected, and it paused at the station for a change of staff.

The A4 was travelling backwards as it would be unable to turn around in Stanhope.

The locomotive will leave Stanhope tomorrow (May 15) at 9.30am and is due to pass through Bishop Auckland again at 10.35am before making its way to the Wensleydale and North Yorkshire Moors railways.