A REPLICA model of the steam locomotive 'Tornado' has returned to the centre of a town enshrined in railway history.

The model, which became a focal point of the roundabout near Darlington's Feethams development, was removed for restoration work.

The full-size working version, built at the town's Darlington Locomotive Works, was constructed between 1994 and 2008.

Milestone for Darlington-built steam locomotive Tornado

Councillor Chris McEwan of Darlington Borough Council said: “It’s great to see the mini version of Tornado looking its best again.

“Tornado is one of our most iconic exports and the model symbolises one of the things that makes us proud of Darlington.

"We’ve all driven past it countless times when going round Feethams roundabout and it was in need of some attention.

“I’d like to thank everyone from the trust, as well as the council’s Street Scene team, who have helped get the model looking its best again.”

A trustee of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, Mark Allatt, said he was delighted by the refurbishment.

He said: "As we celebrate No. 60163 Tornado’s return to the main line we are delighted that her Mini-Me’s refurbishment has been completed and that it is once again installed on Feethams roundabout in the heart of Darlington."