Steam train thrills onlookers as it passes through Melton

Steam train afacionados were thrilled on Saturday to see the majestic LMS pacific 6233 Duchess of Sutherland chugging along tracks in the Melton area.
The Duchess of Sutherland steam train passing through Ashwell en route to Melton on Saturday - it was picking up passengers on a journey between York and London
PHOTO PAUL DAVIES EMN-191203-094051001The Duchess of Sutherland steam train passing through Ashwell en route to Melton on Saturday - it was picking up passengers on a journey between York and London
PHOTO PAUL DAVIES EMN-191203-094051001
The Duchess of Sutherland steam train passing through Ashwell en route to Melton on Saturday - it was picking up passengers on a journey between York and London PHOTO PAUL DAVIES EMN-191203-094051001

Paul Davies captured this stunning shot of it passing through Ashwell, in Rutland, during its journey between York and London.

The Duchess, which is based at The Midland Railway Centre at Butterley, Derbyshire, picked up passengers at Melton station.

On Sunday, an unusual special steam-worked train will be passing through Melton to honour a late former resident who founded and ran the Railway Touring Company, based at King’s Lynn, which organises rail-based day trips and tours in this country and around the world.

Nigel Dobbing, a former Melton man who started a steam train touring company at King's Lynn EMN-191203-102156001Nigel Dobbing, a former Melton man who started a steam train touring company at King's Lynn EMN-191203-102156001
Nigel Dobbing, a former Melton man who started a steam train touring company at King's Lynn EMN-191203-102156001

The train is The Nigel Dobbing Memorial Train which it is hoped will be worked by a rebuilt Southern Railway Merchant Navy class locomotive.

It is due to arrive at Melton station at 1.48pm before departing at 3.16pm.

Nigel, who passed away in October aged 66, came from a Melton farming background but developed a passion for steam trains as a child.

He used to enjoy watching trains on the London North Western and Great Northern joint line from Market Harborough to Bottesford or the Midland mainline.