It was full steam ahead in East Croydon yesterday at the Sussex Belle passed through town, much to the delight of onlookers.

The steam train brought a bit of nostalgia with to Croydon as it made the leisurely journey from London Victoria to Sussex.

For many on the six platforms at East Croydon, it was an unexpected arrival.

Rubbing shoulders with several other, much more modern trains, the Sussex Belle was unhindered by ice, snow, leaves or anything else mother nature threw at it.

Bringing up the rear of the heritage train was an August 1964 diesel locomotive, No 47580, The County Of Essex, to add extra power both in case of an (unlikely) breakdown and to haul the Sussex Belle later in the journey from Eastbourne to Hastings.