IT’S full steam ahead for Alex Sharphouse after the completion of a painstaking six year restoration project.

The Talisman locomotive will be on display for the first time at Old Hall Farm near Bouth on September 21 and 22.

"It’s been six year of work so it feels surreal to be finished," he said.

“One of the reasons for doing it is to prove that doing old craftsmen’s work like this is still possible, even in this day and age.”

“I can’t comprehend how much time has gone into this restoration, probably thousands of hours of work."

The project, in partnership with Morris Lubricants, has seen Mr Sharphouse and his friends Jak and Roger Dibnah, traditional businesses and craftsmen, as well as a helping hand from Morris brand ambassador Guy Martin, work tirelessly to bring the ‘king of the road’ back to life.

Alex said: “I couldn’t have done it without the investment and support from Morris Lubricants”.

His dream back in 2013 was to build a new steam engine from scratch and he set about buying the name John Fowler (Leeds) ltd, which was one of a few main companies who built steam engine in the late 1800s through to 1920.

Talisman was originally built by John Fowler & co (Leeds) in 1926.

Alex then found and bought a full set of Victorian drawings and began the process of building a replica engine.

Having started the project, Alex discovered the existence of the remains of the Talisman which had been in storage since 1970.

Purchasing these valuable remain meant that the project moved from a new build to a restoration project.

As the Talisman returns to Old Hall Farm for its first day in steam, it will also continue to work with Morris Lubricants to promote their business, with selected appearances throughout the country.

All of the public are welcome to the farm on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September.

Other visiting team engines will join in on the event for a Christening party.

It will open from 10am to 5pm both days and entry prices are adults £8.25, children £5.75, (children under 3 free).

Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) £28 and seniors £6.50.

There is also 20% discount for local residents with proof of address (within 40 mins drive time).

For more information about the Old Hall Farm, visit the website www.oldhallfarmbouth.com.