After spending time in Watchet we returned to the car only to see the Erlestoke Manor disappearing from Watchet station.

After a mad scramble to catch up with her to take photos we eventually pulled in at Blue Anchor and managed to get a couple of shots before it left the station. I thought my days of running to catch a train were over!!!

GWR 7800 Class 7812 Erlestoke Manor, owned by the Erlestoke Manor Fund after being rescued from Woodham's scrap yard in Barry in 1974 and subsequently renovated, went on to become operational on the Severn Valley Railway.

Following an agreement between Erlestoke Manor Fund, SVR and West Somerset Railway it was decided that from this month until the end of 2027 the Erlestoke Manor will be on hire to West Somerset Railway, with their other Manor, Bradley Manor 7802 remaining in service on the Severn Valley Railway.

I was delighted to see and be able to photograph this grand old lady of the manor!!