THE sound of steam locos being banked up the famous Lickey incline on Sunday brought back memories of what many believe was the golden age of rail travel.

But the actions of a few foolish people who trespassed onto the line at Bromsgrove may have put future steam trips in jeopardy

Enthusiasts were given a rare treat when two trains, hauled by ex-Great Western Railway Hall class locos, each pulling eight carriages, came through Bromsgrove during the early afternoon and evening. The chartered trains had earlier set out from Tyseley, for Worcester Shrub Hill and travelled through Bromsgrove on their return to Birmingham.

The morning train was pulled by no 4965 Rood Ashton Hall and no 4936 Kinlet Hall in the evening.

Both were banked up the notorious incline from Bromsgrove to Blackwell by a GWR pannier tank engine.

Steam fans from all over Britain, armed with recording and camera equipment, arrived early to grab the best vantage points.

But the evening trip was marred by a number of trespassers on the line near Blackwell as darkness fell, causing the train to be delayed in Worcester by 30 minutes while British Transport Police were summoned to remove them.

A spokesman for tour organisers, Vintage Trains from Tyseley, said: "The evening return journey was somewhat spoiled and it may jeopardise future steam trips."

The photos were taken by Stoke Prior photographer Max Harper. Reprints, 8in by 6in at £5 each and 10in by 8in at £7.50 each can be had by contacting him on (01527) 831746.