An historic steam locomotive based in Norfolk is heading on its travels.

The 3193 Norfolk Regiment is leaving its home at Bressingham Steam Museum, near Diss, for the Northampton and Lamport Railway, where it will haul passenger trains for a month.

Diss Mercury: Steam locomotive 3193 Norfolk Regiment is leaving Bressingham to spend a month at Northampton and Lamport RailwaySteam locomotive 3193 Norfolk Regiment is leaving Bressingham to spend a month at Northampton and Lamport Railway (Image: NHSR)

Built for the army during the Second World War, 3193 transported munitions and equipment in preparation for D-Day.

In 2009, it came to Nelson's County after being purchased by a group of enthusiasts who formed their own charity to restore it.

The restoration took almost 10 years before the loco went to the Nene Valley Railway for finishing touches and a lengthy period of running-in.

Diss Mercury: Steam locomotive 3193 Norfolk Regiment is leaving Bressingham to spend a month at Northampton and Lamport RailwaySteam locomotive 3193 Norfolk Regiment is leaving Bressingham to spend a month at Northampton and Lamport Railway (Image: Thomas Woolley)

But just as 3193 was ready to start earning a living, Covid struck and forced heritage railways close.

It can, however, now make an overdue return to action as lines across the country begin to reopen.

3193 will be back on home turf for Bressingham's 60th anniversary celebration on September 18-19.