Celebrations to mark 175 years of the railways in Derby

To commemorate the anniversary, steam locomotives are among the attractions Credit: Keith Wilkinson

Celebrations are taking place today to mark 175 years of the railways in Derby.

Since the 1800's, the city has been at the forefront of railway engineering.

To commemorate the contribution it made to the world of transport, a number of steam locomotives, built in Derby, are among the special attractions.

Back home for a short visit is "Midland compound" steam engine number 1000, part of a ground-breaking class of locos built in 1902, and preserved in the National Collection. It was located for a time inside the Engine House on the Severn Valley Railway at Highley in Shropshire.

Also back in Derby is the former London Midland and Scottish steam engine, 43924, on loan from the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in Yorkshire. This was built in the workshops in Derby 93 years ago.

The old engines were photographed by our correspondent Keith Wilkinson inside the Bombardier factory in Derby - alongside the modern trains still being built there in workshops that can trace their roots back to the heyday of steam traction.

Since the 1800's, the city has been at the forefront of railway engineering. Credit: Keith Wilkinson

There were fears in the recent past that the Bombardier factory might close - and would not reach this 175th anniversary milestone. But the fears proved unfounded, and the works now has healthy order books to build new trains.

Today's commemorations are not open to the public.