The Groudle Glen Railway’s oldest and only original locomotive is back home after a complete restoration off-island.

Sea Lion has returned from a complete overhaul and repair in the UK and is now undergoing a series of steam tests ahead of the enthusiast-run line’s Christmas service.

She was discovered to need urgent repairs to her boiler at the end of the 2017 summer season.

The damage was thought to be caused by the quality of the water supply, and chemical treatments were added to lessen the corrosion issues.

But the condition worsened and the damage became irreversible and so the decision was made for the boiler to be sent to the UK for the repair work.

It was hoped that Sea Lion would be back on track for this year’s Easter services,

However, further issues were later discovered and the whole locomotive had to be transported to the UK for a complete overhaul and repair works.

This work was carried out at North Bay Railway Engineering Services in Darlington and included installation of new parts, as well as numerous repairs to time-expired or worn parts.

Sea Lion has also been restored to her original 1896 livery with her name in gold leaf lettering.

After three months away, she has now returned to the island in pristine condition.

Restoration was supported by the Manx Lottery Trust, Culture Vannin and the Elizabeth Clucas Trust. The Steam Packet assisted with the cost of transporting the loco from and to the island.

Groudle Glen Railway chairman Trevor Nall said: ’Sea Lion will be the star attraction of our Christmas trains this year as she returns to service.’