Families gathered at a special event over the weekend to celebrate steam engines from the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

At the Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, people of all ages learnt about the transport that changed travel in Britain, and even had the chance to marvel at miniature models.

On Saturday and Sunday 40 replica steam engines, painstakingly built to the exact specification of the larger Victorian and Edwardian trains went on display.

Organiser of the event, Dr Raymond Rowe, 60, says that they had great feedback from the visitors.

He said: “The event was really well turned out.

“We had 13 different companies which specialise in steam traction engines represented and we asked the public to choose their favourite.

“An engine called David built by Don Day from Ongar won. He was delighted as it took him fifteen years to build.

“The engines were the right size so that people can see the mechanics and they could ride around the half kilometre circuit. The children were really in awe.”

The Mayor of Waltham Abbey opened the event which was also attended by a Thomas the Tank Engine land train for children.