A RELIC of the steam age which has stood still for 40 years is to be brought back into working use at a North-East museum.

The 12ft water crane, dating from the turn of the last century, was used to feed water to steam trains on the Stoke-on-Trent to Crewe railway line.

But for the past four decades it has stood unused and hidden by trees at the end of the platform at Stone Station, in Staffordshire - despite being one of only a few left in the country.

Yesterday, it was dug out by workmen and transported to Darlington Railway Museum, where it will be restored and used to fill the museum's steam locomotives.

The North Eastern Locomotion Preservation Group heard about the crane and told museum curator John Wilks.

He said: "I contacted Network Rail, who kindly said that we could have the crane and offered their staff's time for free to dig the crane out.

"The crane will have to be restored to its former glory, but then it will take pride of place beside the museum's track and will be used to fill up our steam locomotives when we have visitors instead of the hosepipe we have to use now. It will be a lot more authentic."

The museum is looking for sponsorship to help with the restoration. Anyone who can help is asked to call Mr Wilks on (01325) 460532.