A Norfolk heritage railway is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its steam locomotives with a special event. 

When the Bure Valley Railway, which runs between Aylsham and Wroxham, opened in 1990 it had excellent coaches and station buildings but no steam locos of its own.

To fill this gap, they were hired from the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway in Kent, but they were not suited to the route. 

READ MORE: West End musicals and popstar lead latest line-up at Norwich Theatre

In 1991, they returned home and were replaced with locos the Bure Valley Railway had purchased, which were equally unsuitable.

In 1994, two new steam locos were designed specifically for the line.

They were loosely based upon the Indian Railways 2’ 6” gauge ZB class and the term ZB was immediately adopted at Aylsham.

READ MORE: 7 of the best places in Norfolk to see bluebells in Norfolk

Subsequently, two tank engine versions of the design were built and entered service in 1997 and 1999.

2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the first ZB locos and on Saturday, April 27 all four will be in service, with some trains double-headed.

Visitors get unlimited travel for the same price as a standard return fare (under 5s go free) - book at bvrw.co.uk