HUNDREDS of eager spectators gathered to welcome a rare sight of railway history as it steamed into Colchester.

Around 200 dedicated train spotters squeezed onto Platform One at Colchester Station to see the stunning 70013 Oliver Cromwell steam engine make a pit stop yesterday.

It was a must-see for many as the engine, built in 1951, will soon be retired from the mainline.

The engine had left London with 350 passengers on board and was making a water stop in Colchester at 11.44am en route to Norwich.

During the 15 minute visit, enthusiasts gathered around the engine keen to see the machine up close.

Among them was grandad Michael Roots, from Colchester, who remembered seeing the engine for the first time as a boy.

Mr Roots, 75, was with wife Patricia, their son-in-law Damon Ally and grandson Riley, 21 months.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: The steam train, The Oliver Cromwell, arrives at Colchester Nth Station..

Mr Roots said: “I was a loco spotter in my youth and steam has always had a special place.

“This train came into service in the early 1950s, I saw it in its first week, standing by the railway lines in London.”

Former assistant train engineer Colin Thompson, 68, had, like many other enthusiasts, arrived an hour early to ensure he saw the engine.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Beauty - the engine is still in top condition

Mr Thompson, from Kelvedon, recalled how he travelled behind her in 1968 under British Rail before she went into private ownership.

Two of the engine’s youngest fans were Oscar and George Thompson, aged four and two.

Their mum Carlene said: “They are steam train mad. They watch videos on YouTube and play with wooden train tracks every day so trains are our life in our house.”

The locomotive spent most of its life working the London to Norwich Express services. After years of being a static exhibit in Bressingham it was overhauled and returned to steam in 2008. Oliver Cromwell is capable of up to 100mph.

The engine is currently looked after by the 5305 Locomotive Association. behalf of the National Railway Museum.