AN incredible two million miles has been notched up by Severn Valley Railways fleet of locomotives - the equivalent of going to the moon and back more than four times.

The remarkable figures, discovered during a routine review of the SVR’s locomotive mileage charts, dates back to the Railway’s formative days in 1967.

In total, the actual mileage at the end of 2013 for all 46 years adds up to a staggering 2,135,470 – which includes guest locomotives and those no longer based on the railway.

In the railway’s early years, locomotives averaged just less than 6,000 miles, though now average mileages are nearer 55,000 to 58,000.

Top of the mileage charts was the Stanier 8F No 48773, currently awaiting an overhaul, which has clocked up an incredible 151,805 miles in its history.

Ian Walker, the SVR’s works manager, said: “The figures really represent a terrific achievement for our current fleet of locomotives, which has so far operated tremendously well with very few breakdowns and mainly just routine washouts and maintenance needing attention.”

The SVR has just enjoyed its Annual Steam Gala, which took place over the weekend, attracting around 6,000 visitors with an impressive line-up of four visiting steam engines, which ran intensive services alongside the Railway’s own collection.