A CHARITY which is building the first new mainline steam locomotive in Britain for 40 years has announced the fitting of the first wheels to the engine.

The four 3ft 2in wheels have been fitted to Tornado's front bogie at Darlington Locomotive Works.

The wheels were cast by William Cook on advantageous terms to the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, the registered charity that is building the locomotive.

This is the first time a set of wheels has been completed for a mainline steam locomotive since British Railways received its last new steam locomotive in 1960