THE Queen is coming back to Clacton.

The old girl has had her cracks repaired, gaskets replaced, a new lick of paint and is ready to return.

She might only have a top speed of four miles per hour - but the wait will be worth it.

The Clacton Queen steamroller, which built many of the town's roads from 1922, has been undergoing a 14-month, £2,700 overhaul.

The ten-tonne roller, brought by Tendring Council for £5,000 and rebuilt in 1995, is due to arrive in the town on March 19.

The Queen Steam Roller Preservation Society has hailed the news as a boost to the town's summer trade.

Chairman Peter Williams said: "I believe the queen has been invaluable for local tourism.

"How many seaside towns have live steam attractions?

"I have been told by visitors they have come to Clacton in the hope of seeing the old girl.

"The sight of the queen in the carnival is fantastic, she is a great attraction, and I would like to see the town make use of her."

The queen, one of only six in existence and worth more than £50,000, was taken to Diss, Norfolk, for the repairs by specialist Jonathan Wheeler.

He had to cope with cracks, blown gaskets, cast iron defects and many other problems but completed the repair in his spare time.

It is hoped the engine will be kept in the Tendring Council yard near the railway station.

Mr Williams said the bid to raise money for the Clacton Queen will continue.

The repair included a £1,000 donation from the Clacton Carnival committee and £500 from Clacton painter and decorator Clive Spurgeon.

"I am aware when Tendring Council brought the queen (for £5,000 in 1995) some people swore about the wasted money.

"Since the council helped us to purchase, restore and store the queen, the current repairs have been and are still being paid for from public donations and sponsorship," said Mr Williams.