An iconic steam locomotive was unable to complete its return journey from Norwich to London.

Eastern Daily Press: The 1951 steam train Oliver Cromwell arrives on Platform Two at Norwich Train Station. Picture: Ian BurtThe 1951 steam train Oliver Cromwell arrives on Platform Two at Norwich Train Station. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

The Oliver Cromwell, which arrived in Norwich on Thursday, developed a technical fault and a diesel engine was used for the return trip to London.

The 'Britannia Class' British Railways pacific locomotive was hauling a special train from Liverpool Street to Norwich, in what could be its last trip.

Its boiler certificate runs out next month and there has been no decision on whether the National Railway Museum's locomotive will be overhauled to return to the main line – or just kept as a static exhibit at one of the NRM's sites.

The locomotive entered service in 1951 and spent its first 10 years hauling express trains on the Great Eastern Main Line between London, Norwich, Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.