The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) is set to host two Class 20 diesel-electric locomotives at its upcoming Spring Diesel Festival.

Running from from May 16 to 19, the announcement comes as an addition to the guest list which already includes two Rail Adventure power cars, Class 70s from both Colas and Freightliner, 73119 ‘Paul Taylor’ and 69009 ‘Western Consort’ from GB Railfreight, a Freightliner Class 59, 37409 ‘Loch Awe’ and Class 46 D182, as well as members of the SVR’s home fleet.

Jonathan 'Gus' Dunster, managing director at SVR, said: "This really is an impressive and substantial line-up.

"We're very grateful to Michael Owen, the owner of the Class 20s, for his support for our event.

"The Class 20 is a popular locomotive, with plenty of followers, and has always been known for its versatility.

"First introduced in the late 50s as part of British Rail’s replacement of steam traction, they were used for ‘merry-go-round’ trains, transporting coal to power stations, and saw service on secondary passenger traffic routes.

“Working as a pair, they’ll be ideal to haul full passenger trains at the Spring Diesel Festival, and we look forward to hearing their distinctive helicopter-like sound across the Valley, reminding us why they are nicknamed ‘choppers’.”

For more details and ticket booking, visit svr.co.uk.