A RAILWAY in the Lake District which boasts several historic locomotives has marked the 100th birthday of one of its steam engines. 

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is a narrow gauge railway in the Lake District offering steam train journeys through stunning scenery.

On December 18, 1923, they received the 'very special' gift of the 'River Esk' steam engine from its makers Davey Paxman & Co of Colchester.

On Facebook, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway wrote: "River Esk signalled a distinct change in 15" gauge design ideas in the UK and Europe.

"The good bits were copied and improved on in locomotives built in both the UK and Germany.

"As with all design concepts it hasn't always been plain sailing but since 1952 'River Esk' has been a stalwart part of our locomotive fleet."

News and Star: The River Esk has been on the tracks for 93 years of its 100 year existenceThe River Esk has been on the tracks for 93 years of its 100 year existence (Image: Ravenglass Railway Museum and Mark Fielding)

The 22ft loco was designed by Henry Greenly and was the forerunner of seven engines on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. Greenly had close connections with Roland Martens who designed fellow steam engine Whillan Beck in its original form.

After early innovations in her design (including a steam-powered tender) proved unsuccessful, she became a tireless performer and has run thousands of miles since 1923 with seven years out of service between 2011 and 2018. For many years painted green, the loco is currently in black livery.

The railway has five flagship steam engines, and a number of historic locomotives, which are both in active service and on display at the railway museum.

News and Star: The River Esk train at the 100th anniversary gala earlier in the yearThe River Esk train at the 100th anniversary gala earlier in the year (Image: Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway) 

River Irt, River Esk, River Mite, Northern Rock, and Whillan Beck were all originally built between 1894 and 1976.

While River Esk reaching 100 years is a significant achievement, it is some way off the River Irt steam train, which was built in 1894, making it the oldest working 15 inch gauge locomotive in the world.

The seven-mile railway line runs from Ravenglass to Dalegarth Station near Boot in the valley of Eskdale. At Ravenglass the line ends at Ravenglass railway station on the Cumbrian Coast Line.

A steam gala weekend was also held earlier in the year to mark River Esk's 100th year.