THE heyday of Welsh Valleys steam locomotives will be celebrated by Severn Valley Railway this weekend.

Trains more than a century old will be featured during the Welsh Railways-themed gala event on Saturday and Sunday.

The SVR intends to run the former Taff Vale Railway 0-6-2 tank No 85, an engine that was built in 1899, on combined passenger and goods trains.

It also aims to run a 1901-built ex-Port Talbot Railway 0-6-0 saddle tank No 813 on vintage passenger trains.

At least eight locomotives which have worked in Wales or have Welsh connections will take part in the gala.

Adding to the Welsh theme will be the Pelenna Valley Male Voice Choir, which will be at both Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, where the railway's two pubs will serve Welsh beers.

John Leach, SVR marketing manager, said: "We've been running gala events for more than 30 years but this will be the first time we've put on a special event with a wholly Welsh theme.

"The aim is to strike a few nostalgic chords with those who remember the days when steam locomotives kept the Welsh coal industry moving and ran the fast expresses to and from London."

Almost 60 trains will run during the weekend, beginning at 8.30am on Saturday and ending at 7pm on Sunday.