STEAM train enthusiasts Lucy and Josh Harvey were at the front of the queue to board a Tornado as it swept into Didcot Railway Centre over the Easter weekend.

The siblings, aged four and seven, climbed aboard the 2008-built express steam engine with their dad Stuart Harvey on Saturday.

Despite their young age, the brother and sister are no strangers to steam locomotives: they boarded the A1 Peppercorn engine at the Severn Valley Railway last summer.

Mr Harvey, 40, said his children had long outgrown Thomas the Tank Engine and had a serious interest in steam.

He said: "Apart from dodging the showers we had a lovely time at Didcot – we came especially for the Tornado.

"The children heard it was going to be at Didcot and they pestered us to go.

"I think we ended going up back and forth on it at least three or four times."

The Tornado was the main attraction at the centre for its Easter weekend activities, which also included an arts and crafts session and treasure hunt over the four day holiday.

Mr Harvey, who brought the children from their home in High Wycombe, added: "I do not know where the children's interest in steam trains has originated from.

"But we've now had to get a membership to the Mid Hants Railway."

For more information visit: didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk