A RECORD-breaking steam engine is returning to Swindon for a reunion of former Great Western Railway workers in celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

The Bradley Manor, which cost an unprecedented £5,000 to build at the Great Western Railway site in 1938, is arriving on June 7, offering a climax to the royal festivities.

The Manors were introduced by GWR as a lighter version of the pre-existing Halls and Granges.

In 1943 the 7802 GWR Bradley Manor was first allocated to Old Oak Common. Three years later it was moved to the Cambrian Section, where the Manors were commonly used.

The traditional green-liveried engine served for 20 years before being taken to the infamous Barry scrap yard in South Wales in 1965.

But its fortunes changed nearly 15 years later, when the Erlestoke Manor Fund bought the engine and decided to restore it.

In 1993 Bradley Manor returned to the tracks, even taking the odd trip on the BR mainline.

Ex-railway workers will be able to marvel at the rare piece of locomotive history and stir up old memories with a traditional 1950s buffet tea, to include Spam sandwiches and Victoria sponge cake.

Catching the festivities on camera, a large group photo will be taken of the guests and a framed copy sent to Her Majesty the Queen. Starting at 3pm, the gathering is taking place at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Centre's glazed link mall.

Earlier in the week, famous look-a-likes will be making an appearance. Harking back to Hollywood's heyday, dead ringers for Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn will be shopping in the malls. Music from timeless wonders like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr is also planned to make proceedings go with a swing.

Dave Ellis, 70, from Pinehurst, worked on the railways in Swindon for 40 years. and hopes that railway workers will join him in rekindling memories of a golden age. "It's a good excuse to exchange tales from the past. This party is much appreciated," he added.

Iona Carter, spokeswoman for the Designer Outlet Centre, said: "The Jubilee is a great opportunity to look at our history here at the outlet and step back in time."

"We want to reach as many ex-workers as possible. Everyone is welcome even if they only worked for Great Western for a short time."

For more information on the reunion, contact Iona Carter on Swindon 507605.