Restoration project to begin on wooden horses at Beamish

Intricate work is underway to repaint 36 wooden horses from a VictorianSteam Galloper during a year long restoration project.

The 'Gallopers', which are made of pitch pine, are being stripped back towood, repaired and repainted in a early 1900s style.

The Steam Galloper, which dates back to 1893, is a popularattraction at Beamish Museum in County Durham.

It is has been used daily by tens of thousands of visitors to the museumsince it arrived there in 2009.

The project, which is expected to last 12 months, is being carried out bytechnicians at the Regional Heritage Engineering Centre at Beamish Museum.

Once finished, the horses, which are powered by a steam engine, will beplaced back on the fairground ride for visitors to enjoy.