DIDCOT Railway Centre has launched a £14,000 appeal to return a unique 1857 steam engine to full working order.

If successful, the 0-4-0 WT Shannon will be the oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive in the western hemisphere and possibly the world.

The engine, which was sold to the Wantage Tramway Company in 1878, last travelled under its own steam in 1975, for the 150th anniversary of the opening of the world’s first railway, between Stockton and Darlington.

But its days on the railways were thought to be over, because of a crack in its copper piping.

Now experts at the Great Western Society, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in September, believe modern technology can be used to fix the fault.

This will involve dismantling its network of tubes for a thorough clean.

The Heritage Railway Association has already donated £1,000 of the £14,000 target, and the railway centre hopes Shannon can be back to full working order within months.

Centre spokesman Adrian Brodie said: “Although it is 35 years since Shannon last steamed, initial inspections indicate the locomotive does not require too much work.”

To donate, call the centre on 01235 817200.