THE spirit of the great engineer Brunel was brought to life, during a visit to Ridgeway School in Wroughton to launch the town's Brunel 200 programme Isambard, also known as actor Martin Williamson, was on hand to breathe a little life into the series of events taking place in Swindon between now and September to commemorate the 200th anniversary since the birth of the great engineer.

Complete with trademark top hat and cigar, the actor spent some time answering questions about his work before watching the other presentations.

The choir from Wroughton Junior School also entertained visitors with a special rendition of four railway-based songs that they learned for the recent school's music festival.

Helen Miah, arts and services manager for Swindon Council who is leading the Swindon celebrations, said: "It has gone fantastically well.

"It is great so many different people are here and I think it is so important that we get as many people involved as possible."

The launch was opened by council leader Mike Bawden.

"The children are our future and I believe it is important for them to understand the role Brunel played in making Swindon the town it is today," he said.

And he added that the town should be fiercely proud of its railway heritage.

"People always say if you served your apprenticeship in the Great Western Railway works then you could get a job anywhere in the world.

"Swindon is the home of Brunel's engineering workshops."

There was even a buffet that Brunel would recognise with people tucking into bread, cheese and flapjacks, all washed down with a cold glass of still lemonade.

After the launch Mr Brunel' said: "It was a wonderful launch and I am very chuffed.

"People have made a lot of fuss of me this year, and I have to say I think I deserve it.

"It is brilliant that so many people are here, and want to learn about my work. This country changed completely during that period and Britain was leading the way.

"And of course, I was at the forefront of it all."

For more information on the celebrations taking place around Swindon, log on to www.swindonbrunel200.co.uk

Events in train

EVENTS to celebrate the great engineer began on April 8 with a birthday party at the Steam Museum.

As part of the Swindon Festival of Literature on May 3 to May 11 a series of talks on the life of Brunel at venues all over the town including the Community Crossroads in Faringdon Road, and the Steam Museum.

The talks will look at everything historical in Swindon to the future of the railways in the UK.

In July, Swindon will come alive with the Brunel Festival running from Friday, July 7 to Sunday, July 16 with events for schools to create the Great Exhibition of the 19th century and to build Brunel's wonder The Clifton Suspension Bridge.

A street festival on July 15 will feature a carnival parade while the town's now annual Children's Fete on July 16 will mark the life of Brunel and his designer Daniel Gooch.

On the same day there will be performances of dance and music closely followed by a spectacular fireworks display.