Mayflower’s flying visit

Steam buffs enjoyed a treat over the weekend when a historic locomotive passed through the town en route to Dover.

This image was taken on Saturday at the Sevington Loop, near Ashford.

The locomotive is LNER Thompson cl B1 4-6-0, no 61306 Mayflower.

Originally built in 1948, it was withdrawn from service in 1967, before being purchased privately for preservation.

The train had departed from Salisbury, passing through Ashford at lunchtime en route to Dover and Canterbury East. It returned to Salisbury via Faversham.

The Golden Arrow, 34067 Tangmere, also steamed through Ashford on Friday and then again on Saturday.

Picture: Andy Clark The Mayflower locomotive passes through Ashford