ICONIC locomotive Oliver Cromwell delighted spectators when it steamed through the Cotswolds today.

The train was on a scenic rail tour, and left London Paddington at 8am, hurtling through the English countryside to Moreton-in-Marsh, Evesham and Worcester.

The return leg of its journey was via the Golden Valley line through Stroud and the Sapperton Tunnel, Kemble and Swindon.

The Oliver Cromwell, know to rail enthusiasts as '70013', was selected to haul the last passengers by steam on British Railways.

In the summer of 1968 it went on several tours, culminating in the Fifteen Guinea Special, which ran between Liverpool and Carlisle.

The much-loved locomotive is now part of the National Railway Museum's National Collection.