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A steam locomotive built more than 100 years ago has returned to the Kent & East Sussex Railway after it was bought by a volunteer.

The Peckett & Sons 0-4-0T engine, named Marcia, was donated to the Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) in 1962, where it stayed after being bought in 1965 by K&ESR member Richard Beckett, who died last year.

Mr Beckett’s family arranged for Marcia to be sold, so the locomotive was taken to Exminster, near Exeter. It was bought in June by K&ESR volunteer Andy Hardy, from Maidstone, and the company he works for, Rapido Trains UK.

“It’s been a lifelong ambition to be a driver,” said Mr Hardy, who has now welcomed Marcia back to K&ESR.

Marcia weighs 12 tons and was built in Bristol in 1923.

The locomotive’s working career included stints at the West of Scotland Shipbreaking Co and the Manchester Oxide Company, where it was given the name Marcia after Marcia Clayton, who was the wife of the company's managing director.

Marcia was in regular use at steam events during the 1970s and 80s, and was a roving ambassador for the K&ESR at county shows and other events.

The engine was withdrawn from service in 1982 for restoration, which was completed in 2011.

“We are delighted to have Marcia back because she is the heart and soul, the passion, the emotion of this railway,” said Dr Robin Coombes, general manager at K&ESR.

“We were almost on the point of losing her but thanks to Andy she has been brought back.”

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