Robert the Engine outside Stratford Station. Picture submitted by Henry Sunger via iWitness24

Robert the steam-locomotive has returned to a completely transformed Stratford as a new community landmark.

The 80-year-old steam-locomotive in front of Stratford Station moved back from his temporary home at the East Anglian Railway Museum.

After years of pigeons, rain and wind left him feeling under the weather, Robert has a new crimson coat and his return is a signal that work to deliver the transport infrastructure required for the London 2012 Games is drawing to a close.

Robert’s return was captured by Henry Sunger and sent in to us via our news gathering website iWitness24.

Described as a “softer legacy benefit”, Hugh Somner, Olympic Delivery Authority Director of Transport, said: “The return of Robert the Engine will mean he can be enjoyed by the community for years to come as a much-loved local landmark.”

The 38-tonne saddle tank locomotive was built by the Avonside Engine Company of Bristol to work the Lamport Ironstone mines railway near Brixworth, Northamptonshire.

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