A STEAM locomotive built in Darlington is due to take a starring role in the latest Paddington film.

And to celebrate its role of the movie, the Tornado is to haul two Paddington Afternoon Tea journeys aboard Belmond British Pullman, bringing the magic of Paddington’s adventures to London’s favourite train.

Departing from London Victoria Station, the luxurious 1920s and 1930s carriages will take families on a Paddington-inspired journey of a lifetime.

Graeme Bunker-James, trustee and operations director for The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, the charity behind the engine, is delighted the Tornado is playing a pivotal role in the movie.

He said: “We were delighted to be asked to provide the Tornado for the filming of Paddington 2 alongside Belmond British Pullman – even more so as the locomotive stars as itself in the movie and is central to the plot.

“We don’t want to give anything away and ruin any surprises, but suffice to say that Paddington gets into a number of sticky situations involving Tornado.

“Paddington – and Tornado – fans of all ages can experience some of the magic of the film for themselves by travelling on one of the Paddington Afternoon Tea journeys aboard Belmond British Pullman. And the Trust has its very own club – the Tornado Team - for younger Tornado fans aged from five to fifteen.”

The £3m project to build the Tornado was completed in 2008 and the loco has been thundering over railways across Britain ever since.

The trips on Saturday, December 2 and Friday, February 16, are suitable for small and grown up bears, the Afternoon Tea menu includes sweet treats and marmalade sandwiches. Paddington-inspired activities will also be available on-board for families throughout the journey to fully immerse themselves in the world of Paddington.

The film, due to premiere on Friday, November 10, sees stars including Ben Whishaw, as the voice of Paddington; Hugh Grant, as a faded and narcissistic actor; Brendan Gleeson, as Knuckles McGinty, a safecracker; Hugh Bonneville, as Henry Brown; Sally Hawkins, as Mary Brown; Julie Walters, as Mrs Bird; and Jim Broadbent, as Samuel Gruber.

The much-anticipated sequel to the worldwide hit family film finds Paddington happily settled with the Brown family in London, where he has become a popular member of the local community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes.

While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday, Paddington sees a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief.