RAILWAY enthusiasts and hospice supporters lined the tracks in their thousands to welcome to iconic Tornado steam train to Essex this weekend.

Organised by Tendring council's chairman, Mark Platt, the Peppercorn class A1 loco Tornado's visit to north Essex helped raise money for the St Helena Hospice in Colchester.

The sold-out event saw the Tornado travel from London Liverpool Street to Walton to celebrate the station's 150th anniversary.

Once arriving in Walton it shuttled to Colchester five times allowing 1500 people to enjoy the iconic locomotive.

Councillor Mark Platt, Chairman of Tendring District Council, said he was 'delighted' to see so many people come to see the train.

He said: "We are delighted to see so many come out to see the train. It would be really great if as many people as possible could drop something into a St Helena Hospice bucket."

Send your memories of the Tornado by submitting your pictures.