A new steam special will pick up passengers in Warwick next spring, some 60 years after the same locomotive completed a record-breaking run.

Over half a century after Clun Castle recorded the then-fastest non-stop run from Plymouth to Bristol, next May the Castle Class locomotive will once again make its way across the same section of line.

However, the special will take place over two days, starting in Birmingham on Friday 10 May and making its way to Plymouth, passing through South Warwickshire.

The next day, Clun Castle will then make the return trip from Plymouth via Bristol to London Paddington, with a diesel locomotive bringing it back to Birmingham.

The run in 1964 saw Clun Castle clock up a top speed of 96mph as it made the trip from Plymouth to Bristol in 133 minutes and 9 seconds.

Next year's tour, which is organised by Vintage Trains, will start at Birmingham Snow Hill and see passengers picked up at Birmingham Moor Street, Widney Manor, Warwick Parkway, Banbury, Oxford and Bristol.

The company announced the tour on social media earlier this week, saying: "All of us at Vintage Trains are thrilled to open bookings today for a historic trip to Plymouth then London for the 10 and 11 May 2024! Save the date.

"This service will be hauled by 7029, 'Clun Castle' between Birmingham and Plymouth, stopping at Bristol for lunch on Friday 10.

"On Saturday 11, 7029 will work from Plymouth to London Paddington for diesel haulage back to Birmingham.

"7029 will work unassisted both ways over the Devon banks and from Bristol to London Paddington."

Tickets for the special start at £250.

Clun Castle is no stranger to South Warwickshire, having frequently hauled The Shakespeare Express from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon, passing through Henley-in-Arden and Hatton.

(Header image by Andrew via Flickr)