VISITORS to The National Railway Museum in Shildon were given a sneak preview of what’s in store for this weekend’s special tenth anniversary gala.

Five guest engines at the museum blew large puffs of steam as part of the checks to ensure everything is in working order.

Sarah Towers, marketing and communications officer, has worked at the museum since it opened in 2004.

She said: “Today (Friday) we have been steam testing the trains, making sure they are all working ready for our tenth anniversary celebrations that will start from tomorrow.

“I was here for the first gala in 2004 and I can remember how busy it was. It’s brilliant that the museum has been so successful.”

Four guest locomotives will be on show this weekend, including the replica Rocket, Kitson No 5, Hawthorn Leslie No 2 and resident guest Furness Railway No 20.

Anthony Coulls, senior curator of rail vehicles, added: “It’s quite exciting, it’s like a birthday party with steam engines.”

Mr Coulls has also worked at the museum for more than ten years.

“I can remember when the museum was being built. People were sceptical and convinced that it wouldn’t be a success but it has," he said.

“We hoped that it would be successful, but we never realised how huge it would be, and I think that’s down to the events schedule, like this weekend’s gala, there is always something happening here.

“The museum has something for everybody and that’s the lovely thing about it.

“A lot has changed in Shildon over the past ten years, there’s new homes being built, there’s somewhere for people to stay, somewhere to get a nice meal and there was none of that ten years ago.

“It’s really nice that we are a big part of the community and I hope we are here in another ten years.”

John Williamson, of Newton Aycliffe, has visited the train museum every day this week.

He said: “It’s fantastic, and great for the region. I’ve been here since seven this morning watching them get everything ready and prepare for tomorrow.

“The trains all look great and they’re all steaming now. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow, I love it.”

The event will take place in the museum’s Collection Building, from 10am till 5pm both days, and free steam rides will be available throughout the weekend (September 20/21).

Admission and parking at the museum is free, for more details visit the website nrm.org.uk/locomotion