TV celebrity Alan Titchmarsh paid tribute to volunteers at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway as he helped to launch a new locomotive on the line.

The Black Prince has been given to the GWR by wildlife artist and railway enthusiast David Shepherd, who also came to Toddington Station on Monday.

Hundreds of people lined the platform to watch the train, one of the last steam locomotives built by British Railways, arrive amid puffs of steam.

Speaking as he sprayed the locomotive's boiler with champagne in the service of rededication, Mr Titchmarsh said: "We need people like David and all the enthusiasts on this railway.

"True heroes are often left unsung - but I hope today they are being well and truly sung because this is a wonderful line run by some great people. We all need the pleasure they provide."

He added despite a lifelong fascination with steam trains, Monday had been the first chance he had ever had to take the controls of a locomotive. "I can hardly tell you what a thrill this has been for me," he said.

Mr Shepherd said he was delighted to be handing the engine over to the GWR. "It is a fantastic line for an engine like this."

The chairman of the railway Bob Stark said it had been a great day for the railway.

"It is super that David has taken time out of his busy schedule to come her today and for Alan to come down and bring the ladies along."

Following its rededication the Black Prince took its first load of paying passengers along the restored line to Cheltenham Racecourse, via the line's Winchcombe Station.