A Norfolk railway group has started to raise funds for its heritage trains to get a new lease of life.

Two of the locomotives at Whitwell and Reepham Railway, near Reepham, require a major overhaul to restore their engines. 

The locomotives - Andrew Barclay 2199 Victory of 1945, which used to work at Chatham Naval Dockyard, and 945 Annie of 1904 - need to be overhauled to ensure they are safe to operate. 

Rio Kent, who works at the Whitwell and Reepham Railway, said: "Most of our visitors come to see the operational steam locomotives so these are crucial to guarantee the organisation's future and continue being a local attraction for people within the Norwich and mid-Norfolk area.

"Once these locomotives are overhauled, we can increase our visitor experience with a wider variety of operational locomotives to see."

The locomotives at Whitwell and Reepham Station require an overhaul.The locomotives at Whitwell and Reepham Railway require an overhaul. (Image: Rio Kent)
Although there has been progress with the campaign, Mr Kent said more funding is needed to cover additional overhauling costs.

He said: "Victory is currently undergoing assessment and we must find resources to strip and overhaul the engine, while Annie is currently stripped with the boiler at our contractors soon to be started on when funds become available.

"A railway wagon is also currently being restored to act as the portable workshop for the locomotives around the site.

Rio Kent said the progress on the locomotives has started but more money is needed.Rio Kent said the progress on the locomotives has started but more money is needed. (Image: Rio Kent)
He also said any pledges made before August 30 will be doubled by the campaign.

"We also happily accept donations in tools, equipment, resources and will happily take on more volunteers to help undertake the overhauls if you want to get involved yourself," said Mr Kent.

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so here or contact andrewkirkby2@gmail.com for more information.