Passenger numbers were 'good' at North Norfolk Railway's autumn steam gala, despite one of the guest locomotives not being present.

Eastern Daily Press: Autumn Steam Gala at the North Norfolk Railway from September 1-3. Gala line locos ready for action. Pictures: Leigh Caudwell, North Norfolk Railway.Autumn Steam Gala at the North Norfolk Railway from September 1-3. Gala line locos ready for action. Pictures: Leigh Caudwell, North Norfolk Railway. (Image: Archant)

The replacement locomotive Pannier Tank 7714, which was provided by the Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) Plc and the SVR Pannier Tank Fund, at very short notice, provided additional interest.

Marketing manager Trevor Eady said: 'Passenger numbers over the weekend of September 1-3 were good and apart from a short delay to services late on Friday the weekend went with almost perfect timing. Initial indications are that this gala was the best supported since the visit of Tornado back in 2013.

'Locomotives featured included visitor 53809 7F, courtesy of its owner John Moorhouse and the West Somerset Railway. There were a number of different train make-ups. The freight train also provided something different while double headers featuring the WD and the Pannier gave very rare photo opportunities for enthusiasts.'

Eastern Daily Press: Autumn steam gala at the North Norfolk Railway from September 1-3. Pannier and WD at Sweet Briar crossing heading for Holt. Pictures: Leigh Caudwell, North Norfolk Railway.Autumn steam gala at the North Norfolk Railway from September 1-3. Pannier and WD at Sweet Briar crossing heading for Holt. Pictures: Leigh Caudwell, North Norfolk Railway. (Image: Archant)