Britannia, the first steam locomotive built by British Railways, was named at a ceremony in central London.

The first of 55 similar locomotives, Britannia was unveiled at Marylebone station by the then Minister of Transport Alfred Barnes.

British Railways had been formed by the nationalisation of the four big private rival railway companies in 1948.

Built at the Crewe works in south Cheshire and designed to pull fast express trains, Britannia incorporated all the best bits from designs from the different companies.

However, by the end of the 1950s BR had decided to replace steam with diesel and electric trains and the last steam locomotive, Evening Star, was built in 1960.

After 15 years of service Britannia was retired in 1966, and instead of being scrapped was preserved for the nation.