TRAINSPOTTERS and historians alike were in for a treat when classic locomotives steamed into the city.

The Great Britain II tour arrived at Plymouth station hauled by the stunning Oliver Cromwell and Nunney Castle engines.

Lucky passengers on board the scenic Penzance-Bristol trip had the chance to sample dazzling views over St Michael's Mount, in Cornwall, before crossing Brunel's impressive Royal Albert Bridge, with its superb views over the Tamar estuary.

A British Railways Standard Class 7, the imposing 70013 Oliver Cromwell was completed in 1951 and was one of just four locomotives to work the last steam railtour before the 1968 steam ban.

Meanwhile, the 5029 Nunney Castle was built at Swindon Works in 1934 and was famous for hauling trains full of children being evacuated from London during the early stages of the Second World War. Both locomotives, which double-headed The Railway Touring Company's trip, were serviced in Plymouth during a short stop in the city.

The train then headed along the spectacular stretch of railway in Torbay on its way back to Bristol.