Trailing a swirl of steam, this classic engine is the first train to rumble across a new railway bridge in South Devon.

The Prairie 5526 thundered across the bridge run by South Devon Railway on Saturday at Southport Leat, Staverton, between the station and Napper’s Crossing.

Services stopped in January while work was carried out, including stripping the track, ballast and decking and replacing old metalwork.

Dick Wood, general manager at the railway, paid tribute to those who worked on the upgrade.

He said: “This has been quite a taxing project for everyone involved, but it has gone virtually to plan.

“Congratulations are due to the small team of railway personnel, our main contractor and sub-contractors.”