The spirit of railways came to life with a puff of smoke thanks to trainspotting pop guru Pete Waterman.

Mr Waterman kindly lent one of his steam engines to Swindon's STEAM museum for its debut Great Western Steam Convention.

His impressive Brunswick Green GWR Locomotive no 5553 stole the show at this railway extravaganza, which lasted throughout the weekend.

Train enthusiast Anthony Hatch, 12, from Covingham, stoked the engines with coal, ensuring the event went full steam ahead. Dressed in oily overalls, he set to work with his spade and polished his uncle Colin's steamroller with pride.

He said: "It is hot, hard work but also great fun. I will need extra soap in the shower tonight."

Besides full-size engines, the festival boasted a five-inch gauge live steam model. And Ivy Lawrence, 85, from Moredon, was keen to have a ride.

She said: "There is a wonderful atmosphere.

"The sun is shining and people are queueing up for the thrill of travelling by steam."

Inside the museum, train buffs gathered round stands for leading specialist magazines, Steam Railway and Model Rail.

Attracting visitors from afar, Anne and Bill Murray, from Spain, came to give their grandchildren Christopher, four, and Matthew, two, a locomotive treat.

Mrs Murray, 58, said: "They have always enjoyed travelling by train. So this seemed like the perfect surprise trip."

Proving that train spotting is not just for anorak-clad men, Rhian Williams, 31, and her daughter Catryn, eight, enjoyed the steaming exhibits.

Catryn, from South Wales, said: "It is a great family day out. The engines look stunning in the sun."

STEAM stalwart Peter Naylor, 69, from Blunsdon, was paying his fifth visit to the museum.

He said: "It is a fascinating place with a good variety of railway attractions. I always look forward to coming here."