WESSEX Trains has launched an engine with unique Brunel 200 livery as part of the celebrations of the great engineer's life.

The rail operators have even called it 'Isambard Kingdom Brunel'.

Wessex Trains has named a frontline 'class 158' train after the great engineer as part of this 'Brunel 200' commemoration.

'Isambard Kingdom Brunel' is adorned with a picture livery that shows scenes of Brunel's achievements on the rail network.

This is part of the Brunel 200 celebrations, which were launched this week at the SS Great Britain at Bristol Docks.

The celebrations will kick off on April 8, 2006, the eve of the 200th anniversary of Brunel's birth, with a party and fireworks at the Brunel-built Clifton suspension bridge in Bristol.

Swindon will host the grand finale of the celebrations in September 2006, with a street party and procession in the Railway Village.

Other plans yet to be finalised, include running steam trains in honour of the engineer between Swindon and Bristol.

Alan Wilson, Wessex Trains managing director, said: "Brunel is a true icon. We are proud to have this special picture-livery on one of our flagship trains to mark the start of the Brunel 200 celebrations."

Wessex Trains is based in the South West region and provides regional and local rail services across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Gloucestershire and Avon.