THE picturesque and winding country roads of Colchester and its surrounding villages were taken over by a glorious convoy of vintage traction steam engines.

The East Anglian Railway Museum’s Colne Valley Steam Tour saw a 12-strong group of stunning age-old engines and smaller replicas embark on a journey around a circular route to the delight of fans of the traditional engines.

After gathering at the Chappel and Wakes Colne Railway next to the museum, the fancy fleet set off on a 19 mile journey.

Travelling at a steady pace, the procession made its way through the village of Fordham and the border-straddling Bures, before stopping off for a BBQ and a refreshing

beverage at the Kings Head in Pebmarsh.

Following the brief respite, the band of steam engines kicked-off the final seven-mile journey through Colne Engaine and Earls Colne before finishing off the pilgrimage back at the museum.

Speaking about the day, organiser Glen Prince said: “We are really pleased with how it went and I think it was really good.

“The public enjoyed themselves and lots of people came out of

their houses to wave us past as we went through the villages and

even ask questions about the engines.

“We are already looking to do it again next year.”