The Great Western Railway locomotive the Earl of Berkeley steamed back into action at the weekend after its restoration.

The 1938 engine was formally re-dedicated by Charles Hendry MP, a member of the Bluebell Railway, the locomotive's home in Horsted Keynes.

Then the traditional shattering of a bottle of champagne over number 9017 launched the engine back into service at a ceremony on Saturday at the volunteer-run railway.

The engine has the nickname Dukedog as it is an amalgamation of the Bulldog and Duke locomotives.

Bluebell Railway chairman Graham Flight said: "We are delighted the Dukedog locomotive, built in 1938 is back in traffic.

Our workshop staff and volunteers have done a marvellous job in restoring the engine to its original condition. She is now as good as new."

Following the ceremony the Earl of Berkeley hauled the Bluebell's Golden Arrow Pullmans to Sheffield Park.

The Bluebell Line was the UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger railway, reopening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of the old London, Brighton and South Coast Railway in 1960.

Since then it has developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in Sussex having preserved a country branch line, a number of steam locomotives, coaches and goods stock, signalling systems, stations and operating practices.