A north Norfolk heritage railway has added a sixth locomotive to its collection of steam and diesel engines.

North Norfolk News: Newly acquired loco D3935 at Weybourne. Photo Steve AllenNewly acquired loco D3935 at Weybourne. Photo Steve Allen (Image: Archant)

The Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway Society (M&GNJRS), which operates the North Norfolk Railway (NNR), has acquired a Class 08 shunter D3935 locomotive.

The engine joined the society's stable of four steam locomotives and one mainline diesel engine, on Thursday, July 12.

It has taken over pilot duties at Sheringham station from the Class 11 locomotive 12131.

Neil Sharpe, society chairman, drove the locomotive from the NNR's Weybourne depot to Sheringham to enter service.

He informed members of the purchase at the society's annual general meeting (AGM) held in Sheringham, on Saturday, July 14.

Mr Sharpe said: 'D3935 is in superb condition following its long restoration, so the society is acquiring an almost new locomotive which will be a useful working asset to the NNR.

'The trustees were keen to add a locomotive with strong links to East Anglia to our stable as it fits the objects of the Society so well.'

He added: 'The purchase was made possible because of the successful year which the Society has had financially, not only through member support and income from our locomotives, but the result of a large legacy.'

The new locomotive was put to work at the NNR's annual beer festival during the weekend of July 13 to 15, at Sheringham station, and was used to bring trains into the station.

Restoring the D3935 was a long term project of more than 20 years, which was undertaken by its previous owner, Phil Ward.

The locomotive was built at Horwich in the early 1960s and was first allocated to Kittybrewster in April 1961, followed by Aberdeen, Thornaby, Stratford and Colchester, where it remained for the rest of its service with British Rail.

The locomotive was withdrawn from service in January 1994 after almost 33 years and stored in Ipswich wagon works.

It was then acquired by the NNR where it worked during the 1990s before experiencing major mechanical problems.

Mr Ward then bought it and began the restoration.

The M&GNJRS held their AGM at the Morley Club in Sheringham, which saw four members of the board of trustees reelected, and Julian Birley BEM, who will step down as NNR chair in September, appointed president of the society.