Sellafield has bolstered its rail fleet with the arrival of its first fully electric locomotive.

The new 40 tonne, fully battery powered locomotive, built by West Lancashire-based Clayton in four months, is set to improve the site's rail operations.

Sellafield boasts one of the country's largest internal rail networks, spanning eleven miles.

The upgrade will also help the company to reduce its carbon footprint.

Mark McSherry, railways operations manager, said: “We started replacing the older fleet almost three years ago, and already have two hybrid electric locos servicing the site.

“Drivers much prefer the newer machines to the older diesel models as they have increased manoeuvrability and additional comforts.”

Shunter/driver, Keiren McCue said: “We have a close working relationship with the team at Clayton and have been involved in every stage of the process from the design and build, to test driving and coordinating the delivery.

“I look forward to seeing the new loco put to work.”