AN engine belonging to legendary steeplejack Fred Dibnah has steamed into action.

Fred's workshop engine was powered up after more than 12 years at Bolton Steam Museum by his youngest daughter Caroline.

The engine, which is named after Caroline, has been loaned to the museum so it can run on steam again.

John Phillp, secretary of The Northern Mill Engine Society at Bolton Steam Museum, said: “It was very kind of the family to loan their father’s engine and we’re delighted to put it back into steam. There’s no point in having a steam engine sitting in a shed, they are meant to be ran on steam and it’s great to see Fred’s engine restored.

“It coincides with the society’s 50th anniversary this year and now with a Dibnah engine hopefully it will attract more visitors.”

Caroline was joined by sisters, Lorna and Jayne, and her brothers, Jack and Roger.

Fred, who presented the BBC Series Made in Britain, was a long-time supporter of the The Northern Mill Engine Society at Bolton Steam Museum, where he was president until he died.

Visitors were able to admire Fred's two Land Rovers on show and explore the museum, which is based in Atlas Mills, Bolton, with the largest collection of working mill steam engines in the UK.

Fred was fascinated by the steam engines which powered the textile mills in Bolton. He began his working life as a joiner, before becoming a steeplejack.

Caroline said: "It's great to be able to put the engine back on steam. My dad would have been really proud to see it switched back on and on display for people of Bolton to come and see. My eight-year-old son Jack is excited. He loves going to steam rallies, he's been coming to Bolton Steam Museum since he was a baby so he's got a big interest.

"We want to say a massive thank you to all the volunteers here who worked hard to restore it and replaced the nameplate and all the missing parts."