SEVERN Valley Railway is to mark Remembrance Sunday with the laying of a wreath on a famous locomotive.

The wreath will be laid by SVR chairman, David Williams, on the engine - 8F Loco 48773 - itself a veteran of the Second World War, having seen service in Persia and the Suez Canal zone.

The unusual ceremony will go ahead at about 11.30am.

It will be preceded by a service held on the concourse of the SVR's Kidderminster Town Station - under a marquee - which 100 people are expected to attend.

Andrew Harding, SVR's commercial manager and accountant, said: "We have tented the whole of the concourse area, ostensibly for our Santa Specials, but it will come in very useful for Remembrance Sunday."

Organ music by Derek Miles will accompany rousing hymns and West Midlands Railway Chaplain, Rev Sandy Kirkwood, will lead the service, which starts at 10.45am on Sunday.

Eighteen year-old Alasdair Amos will play The Last Post on the cornet before the two-minute silence at 11am and, in keeping with the railway theme, a roll of honour will be read out of those lost in both world wars who had links with the Great Western Railway.

Following the service, which will conclude at about 11.30am, people will move outside for the wreath laying on the locomotive, which will take place on platform one.