Lovers of steam across Swindon were treated to an early Christmas present as the historic ‘Duchess of Sutherland’ locomotive chugged through.

On Sunday, the London Midland and Scottish Railway engine was spotted going past Swindon light engine on its way to Southall.

And on Tuesday it returned to Wiltshire hauling the Cardiff Christmas Express.

Despite it running 71 minutes late through the town, enthusiasts were out in force.

Network Rail has issued a statement as to why Duchesss of Sutherland was delayed.

A spokesperson for the company said: "There was an issue with filling the steam engine up with water.

"The water tanker was at Wantage Road and not at Challow, meaning it would take some time to get water to the locomotive.

"A decision was made to withdraw the engine back to Wantage Road to access the water.

"The locomotive was successfully filled at Wantage Road which then meant that the Kemble water stop was not required.

"The train was able to make up much of the lost time and arrived at Cardiff Central 17 minutes late – meaning it made up over an hour of running time."

The former express steam engine was not going at full speed as it was approaching Swindon station, before turning north to head up the Golden Valley route through Kemble and onto Gloucester.

Number 6223 was built by the LMS in 1938 and is currently the only member of the class to be mainline certified.

It is currently owned by The Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust.

The special train was due to stop at Swindon station for around 12 minutes, but Network Rail allowed it go through owing to the huge delay.

It arrived at the Welsh Capital just 17 minutes late, almost making up the time lost.

Duchess of Sutherland is due to return to Swindon later today (November 22) at 7.25 pm.

1Z84: 18.37 Gloucester to London Victoria