Oliver Cromwell makes history at Sheringham level crossing

VICTORIA LEGGETT

11 March 2010

Thousands of spectators lined the streets and rooftops of Sheringham this afternoon to watch Oliver Cromwell become the first steam engine to travel across the town's level crossing in 46 years.

The 70013 engine was greeted by gasps as it hauled five carriages slowly across the tramway-style crossing on Station Road.

Pop mogul and railway enthusiast Pete Waterman led cheers following the historic event, which marks the culmination of a £140,000 project to connect Sheringham's heritage Poppy Line with National Rail's Bittern Line.

He said: “Amazing is what it is. The original founding fathers of the Midland and Great Northern Railway could not have dreamed in 2010 we would be joining it back to the network.”

Crowds began gathering in the town from 8am with train enthusiasts wanting to get the best view of the engine as it came into the town.

As well as lining the side of the track and station platforms, spectators gathered on the verges beside the Cromer Road, on the Church Street bridge and even climbed on to nearby roofs in search of a vantage point.

The newly-restored crossing aims to bring 12 chartered steam trains, from across the country, up to Sheringham each year.

Get next week's North Norfolk News for more.