BRITAIN’S largest operational steam train stopped off at Westbury train station on Saturday afternoon to the delight of a packed platform.

The 6201 Princess Elizabeth set off from London Paddington and arrived at Westbury station at around 11.50am, before departing a few minutes later and heading to Penzance, where it terminated at around 9.30pm.

The famous locomotive made history when it smashed the world long distance speed record in 1936 by maintaining an average speed in excess of 70 mph for over 400 miles non-stop - a steam world record that still stands to this day.

Avid trainspotter Mike Dyer was one of the many on the platform eager to catch a glimpse of the train.

He said: "I only found out about the visit when I checked the Wiltshire Times the day before.

"As soon as I saw that I immediately changed my plans for Saturday. I left work a bit early and headed over to Westbury.

"When the train arrived I was absolutely blown away, it made all the other trains I have seen before like like model trains.

"It was more impressive than the Flying Scotsman in my opinion - it was just so huge."

After its withdrawal from service in September 1962, the train was purchased for preservation, and after extensive restoration work was returned to main line condition.

Today, operated by the Locomotive 6201 Princess Elizabeth Society Ltd, it has had a three-year overhaul before resuming its 40 year-long role hauling charter trains right across the national railway network.