A REPLICA of Stephenson's Rocket will journey into the borough later this year to mark the 190th anniversary of the Rainhill Trials.

The event, from Saturday, May 25 to Monday, May 27, will see a copy of the historic steam engine placed on Exchange Place for the Rainhill Gala following a parade along Warrington Road joined by floats, dancing groups and bands, culminating in a village tea party.

The event will also see a model railway exhibition, a sports tournament, themed theatrical and musical performances, a flower festival, vintage vehicles, street performers and much more.

Gillian Pinder, clerk to Rainhill Parish Council, said: "It is very exciting to bring the Rocket back to Rainhill to celebrate the 190th anniversary and we hope everyone will come out to see it and celebrate the Rainhill Gala with us."

Stephenson's Rocket is currently at Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry until April.

The locomotive established a steam train as the correct choice for the future of the Liverpool to Manchester line 180 years ago at the Rainhill Trials in 1829, which was a competition to decide on the best mode of transport for the railway.

The Rocket was the only locomotive to successfully complete the trials, averaging 12 mph and achieving a top speed of 30 mph.

Designed by Robert Stephenson, Rocket’s win proved once and for all that locomotives were better at pulling trains along the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, rather than stationary winding engines.

The technology applied to the design of Rocket was soon extended across the entire railway network, paving the way for the modern rail network and shaping the course of the history.

To take part in the event, email rainhillpc@hotmail.co.uk or call 07565 524414.