A GROUP of railway enthusiasts trying to secure the return of their beloved steam engine to the region hope a charity auction will help.

The Merlin Restoration Group, based at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum in Shildon, County Durham, is trying to raise £34,000 for repairs to a former Bristol Gas Works steam engine called Merlin.

The little industrial engine won the hearts of the volunteers who, with the help of a loan from Sedgefield Borough Council, bought it in 1997.

But engineering problems five years later meant they had to call in experts and Merlin has been sitting in bits in a workshop in Derbyshire ever since.

Now, they have enlisted the help of Tyne Tees news presenter Andy Kluz, who has given up his spare time to host a charity auction.

Sunday's event features items that include an England football shirt signed by Michael Owen, a signed Newcastle football shirt and a football signed by Middlesbrough's Uefa cup final team.

There is also a round of golf donated by Woodham Golf and Country Club, Newton Aycliffe, a day ticket for fishing from Bishop Auckland Angling Club, a rowing lesson at Durham City Rowing Club and a CD signed by Pete Waterman.

Steam enthusiasts can also bid for the chance to learn to drive the P3 steam locomotive on show at Locomotion, and a day's steam driving experience on Merlin when it returns to the museum.

The auction will be held at the museum at 2.30pm after a morning of football skills competitions and other attractions.

David Heaton, from the group, said they were hoping as many people as possible would turn out.

He said: "The North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group will be running cab rides on the P3 all day. We have had a few fundraising events already but this is going to be a big day. There is something at the auction for everyone and we are hoping it will raise a great deal of money."