Railway enthusiasts may be disappointed this weekend as the main attraction for the spring gala will not make it to the tracks in mid Norfolk.

The Mid Norfolk Railway's Spring Gala this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, was due to have five special locomotives which attracts visitors from across the county.

But organisers have said because of a nine day blockade in Lancashire, the convoy is unable to make it to Norfolk.

Describing it as 'a huge disappointment' the main attraction of the event, which organisers say increases footfall and attracts crowds, the D4 Great Gable has also been withdrawn.

Station manager at Dereham, Brian Gratton, said the gala will still go ahead with a full three-day time table being run using the mid Norfolk Railway's own fleet.

But he said it was disappointing that the D4 train would not be present.

He said: 'Like everybody at the moment we are desperate for cash.

'We are hopeful that the feedback we have had from the fans is that they are still coming anyway.'

The MNR website said: 'Everyone involved is devastated by the news, and are sorry we are unable to bring you four out of the five advertised locomotives.

'We can assure you, that everything has been done to try and find alternative visitors, but despite huge efforts, it has been unable to happen.'

Friday's first train will leave Dereham at 9am, and the last will leave at 5.20pm.

On Saturday the first train will depart at 8.30am, and the last at 7.40pm.

And on Sunday the last will leave at 9am, and the last at 5.10pm.

For the full timetable visit www.mnr.org.uk/calendar/events/gala