Volunteers at Groudle Glen Railway have welcomed their latest addition, a steam loco called Otter.

Otter has been built by the North Bay Railway engineering works in Darlington and is one of two locomotives constructed by them based upon the historic ’SIPAT’ design, which was produced by Bagnalls of Stafford.

The purchase is designed to safeguard the railway’s future.

Trevor Nall, Groudle Glen Railway chairman, said: ’Two years ago we had a big problem when boiler inspections revealed serious corrosion for both Sea Lion and the privately owned Annie.

’So we had to remove all the steam locomotives which is a shame because while people were understanding, they expect to see a steam train.’

The chance to purchase Otter came about while Sea Lion was being worked on by North Bay Railway.

And with support from the Alan Chinnery Trust, Otter was finished and will make its debut in the island in the July.

It will be launched at the same time as Groudle’s other new locomotive, Brown Bear.

The railway launched its ’Build Brown Bear’ appeal in 2013 to build a replica of their other original Bagnall steam locomotive, Polar Bear.

Brown Bear is in the final assembly stage and is due to be launched during the Isle of Man Heritage Transport Festival in July.

A spokesman added: ’With her striking blue livery, the volunteers are confident Otter will be a very popular addition to the railway with local families and other visitors alike.

’The volunteers are delighted that this once in a lifetime opportunity arose to acquire Otter, and alongside her Bagnall designed stablemates Sea Lion and Brown Bear will be the realisation of the railway’s aspiration to own three steam locomotives to safeguard the railway’s future.’

The railway will begin its 2019 season with Easter train services on Easter Sunday and Monday (April 21 and 22) from 10am to 4.30pm.

See www.ggr.org.uk.