Britain's oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive is marking its 160th anniversary at an autumn gala.

The celebration will take place at the Ribble Steam Railway's Autumn Gala this weekend, on September 30 and October 1.

The steam-powered showstopper, Furness Railway locomotive No. 20, was built by Sharp Stewart & Co. of Manchester in 1863, serving the railway and the Barrow Haematite Iron and Steel Company for an impressive 97 years.

Following a reprieve in a playground, the venerable engine was lovingly restored to working order in Barrow's shipyard in 1999.

It was a culmination of a two-and-a-half year project part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the PRISM Fund of the Science Museum.

Now, the revitalised FR 20 resides at the Furness Railway Trust's shed at the Ribble Steam Railway, having recently returned from tours at the Didcot Railway Centre and Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway.

Joining the birthday celebrations, the Trust's Great Eastern Railway royal saloon No. 5 will also make its debut at the Gala this weekend.

Built in 1898 for Princess Alexandra, then Princess of Wales, the one-of-a-kind carriage is celebrating a 125th anniversary of its own.

For a £5 supplement, visitors can claim a seat in the regal retinue for morning departures on both weekend days.

Complete with a morning coffee programme and Alison’s Cream Teas on 2.30pm services, complete with a glass of prosecco or white wine for adults, this festive return to the golden age of steam travel promises nothing short of a royal treat.

Admission and refreshments will cost £25 for adults and £15 for children, with the additional requisite of advance booking due to limited availability.

The anniversary weekend will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at the Furness Railway Trust's operation.

Tours of their shed at the Ribble Steam Railway permit members of the public an insider's lens into the Trust's diligent stewardship of steam locomotives and rolling stock.