SEVERN Valley Railway has opted to sell one of their out-of-service locomotives in a bid to secure their own financial survival.

'Black Five' 45110 left Severn Valley after being sold to an unnamed buyer.

The locomotive had special significance as it was one of the last steam locomotives' to be used by British Rail.

But it has spent the last four years in storage at Kidderminster carriage shed

Cash strapped Servern Valley insist the money raised  from the sale of Black Five will help their fight to survive.

Only last April, Severn Valley launched a £1.5million survival appeal after being hit hard financially by the Covid pandemic and rapidly escalating running costs.

Chris Walton, who is chairman of SVR Holdings plc, said: "We know that some people may be upset that this particular locomotive has left Severn Valley Railway, but it was in the best interests of both the railway and the locomotive itself.

"It was absolutely the right thing to do as it increases the chances of the loco being restored and back in steam. We would not have been in a position to consider the locomotive's restoration in the foreseeable future.

"Of course the funds we have received from the sale will help a great deal in improving Severn Valley's financial position as we plan for 2024, in the expectation that this will also be a challenging year."

Mr Walton's comments have been backed up by David Williams who has been one of the pioneering preservationists at Severn Valley.

He said: "45110 is an iconic  engine and many people at Severn Valley have a strong and emotional attachment to it. However,  an expensive restoration costing in the region of £1million would be unthinkable for the Severn Valley Railway in its current financial circumstances."

At the launch of the survival fund, managing director Jonathan Dunster warned of Severn Valley's perilous financial situation, he said: "Without an urgent injection of cash, we won't be able to lift the railway out of the financial difficulties it's now facing".

At present the appeal has raised more than £400,000 and the sale of 45110 will help boost the figure further.

It is also possible, that once restored, Black Five 45110 may return to Severn Valley Railway for a future event following discussions with its new owner.