The 2874 Trust, based at Toddington on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, has been awarded a grant of £151,200 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This funding will be used to develop the engineering skills of current volunteers and attract and train a new generation of steam locomotive enthusiasts.

The National Lottery-funded initiative will use the Trust's 1918-built Great Western Railway steam locomotive, no. 2874, as a training platform.

Volunteers will work on various projects focusing on boiler restoration, aiming to preserve essential knowledge and skills that are increasingly rare in the field of historic steam locomotive maintenance.

Without this funding, the viability of living museums such as the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway would be at risk.

The grant will also help the Trust reach out to young people who have never witnessed "heritage in action," hoping to inspire future involvement in the field.

(Image: The 2874 Trust)

David Foster, chairman of The 2874 Trust, said: "We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

"Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we will help to preserve the skills necessary to keep historic steam locomotives working so that future generations can enjoy the sight and sound of our industrial heritage."

The Trust plans to showcase the work of its existing volunteer workforce through displays and exhibitions, encouraging new participants.

A range of events tailored to different age groups will be organised, aiming to interest and inspire potential future volunteers.

Regular updates on progress and details of display stands will be available on the Trust's website, www.2874trust.org.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant will play a crucial role in ensuring the survival and operation of the 2874 Trust's steam locomotive and the knowledge and skills associated with it.