Days of steam in Telford's town park

And here is the proof, although of course there was no Telford town park at the time, nor even anywhere called Telford.

This photo was loaned by Mrs Jean Hassall, of Mossey Green, but who lived before marriage at Single Row in the lost community of Hinkshay, which was wiped from the face of the earth 50 years ago.

Mrs Hassall, nee Oakley, said: "The photo is a train going between Stirchley station and Dark Lane. Look at the background, empty fields and Stoke's Farm, and of course the landmark which is still there - the 'Chemical Stack' it was called in my young days.

"This train ran between Wellington and Coalport. Saturdays in the summer were spent sitting and picnicking beside the river at Coalport. Of course, some swam and paddled.

"When the train left Coalport it had a steep hill to climb to Madeley Station. It was chug, chug until it reached the top of the hill."

The photo is undated, but passenger services on the line ended in 1952, when the "Coalport Dodger" made its last journey from Wellington to Coalport on May 31, bringing an end to the line after over 80 years.

Incidentally the idea of having some sort of rail line or transport system through the town park has been put forward in relatively recent times, but has not got past the idea stage.