THE last ever steam engine to be restored at Swindon's world-famous railway works has now left the town.

The departure of the old industrial Peckett tank engine, which workers at the Steam Railway Museum have converted into the Welsh children's character Ivor the Engine, marks the final whistle of the works, 170 years after they were founded by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Ivor was a popular animation during the 1960s and 1970s and has now been brought to life by the team of 20 contract engineers in a £10,000 project over six months.

Ivor was taken by lorry to Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.

The fully functioning steam engine will puff around the station platform and be a great attraction for all who visit.

Although not a Great Western type, it will be the last engine out of what is left of Brunel's old works and will be touring the country in the green livery of Ivor.

Works manager Steve Atkins, of Old Town, said: "It was great fun bringing this animation to life.

"We wanted to make him as touchable and as approachable as possible for the kids.

"They will be able to climb all over it when it's not moving.

"I'm sure it will go down well with them."

"He is only a small engine so it would be their size.

"The more we can get young people interested in the railways the better.

"It will make a great tourist attraction. Not only can children get a hands-on feel for the engine but the parents of the kids will remember Ivor from their youth."

The tale of the Welsh steam engine with bags of personality was inspired by the work of Dylan Thomas and the anecdotes of an engine driver friend of Ivor creator Oliver Postgate.

The steam engine itself will now be moved around the country and after Bolton Abbey, Ivor will be transferred to the East Anglia Railway.

Robin Jones, editor of Heritage Railway Magazine, said: "We sponsored the movement of what we thought would be the last engine out of what's left of Brunel's old works some months ago.

"It really is the final whistle on the old works after 170 years, and a hugely symbolic event in Swindon history."

Ivor had to be re-homed from the old works, which will soon be re-developed.

Plans are in place to covert the engineering works into shops and storage facilities.

For more information, visit steammuseum.org.uk.