IT IS full steam ahead for the mission to bring an old locomotive back as a permanent tribute to the Vulcan Works.

The Newton and Earlestown Community Group has now smashed its £25,000 target to restore and bring home the Walter Urwin Loco to be displayed at the Vulcan site after a year's campaigning.

The Walter Urwin Loco was made at the Newton-le-Willows works in 1976.

A special wine and gin tasting night held at St Peter’s Church, Newton-Le-Willows and hosted by the Riddling Rack, a new bar coming to the Hight Street.

The Newton and Earlestown Community Group which is organising the restoration and transportation of the loco, raised more than £700, surpassing the £25,000 mark needed to bring Walter Urwin home.

Cllr Seve Gomez Aspron said: "The Investment from Alex and the team shows an ever increasing confidence from investors in Newton-le-Willows High Street, which is fantastic for our town. Even better when these new businesses support community causes such as this.

"Great work all round from The Riddling Rack and NECG in helping preserve our proud town's historic identity."

Alexandra Myhill, director of the Riddling Rack added: “We are delighted to have been able to help with meeting the loco fund target.

"All of the directors at the Riddling Rack either grew up in Newton or have lived here a long time and we are thrilled that we are able to put something back in to our community. We look forward to working with NECG more when the bar opens later this Summer.”

For more information about the Loco Project visit: necg.weebly.com/future-projects.html