16526/09LONGLEAT rail worker John Hayton has been riding round the estate this week on the locomotive named after him. Mr Hayton, 65, of Keyford, Frome, was honoured for 30 years of work on the estate.

Lord Bath, owner of Longleat, unveiled the £750,000 engine, on Tuesday.

Mr Hayton said he was delighted with his namesake and was touched his hard work had been recognised.

He said: "We asked Lord Bath what he wanted to call it, I assumed it would be after a member of his family.

"But we got a letter back saying it was to be called the John Hayton. I was a bit shocked and had to keep asking are you sure? It was a really nice surprise."

Mr Hayton has been a train enthusiast all his life and has travelled the world by rail.