The daughter of the man who saved the world’s most famous locomotive from the scrapyard is backing an appeal to support the struggling Swanage Railway.

The Purbeck heritage line has launched a £360,000 ‘Save Our Service’ appeal to help it survive in the wake of the economic effects of coronavirus.

Penny Pegler, daughter of the late Alan Pegler who saved the Flying Scotsman loco from being cut up for scrap in 1963, is lending her support to the appeal.

Penny was the star guest at the Swanage Railway when the Flying Scotsman visited the line for three weeks in March last year.

She said: “The Swanage Railway has been brought back to life over the years and exists today thanks to the enthusiasm, determination, financial support and hard work of those people who believed in the project and made it become a reality.

“For this great adventure to continue in these challenging times, the Swanage Railway needs our financial help.

"There is nothing quite like the sound and smell of a locomotive in steam hauling a train through Dorset’s lovely Isle of Purbeck."

Rebuilt since 1976, the popular five and a half mile heritage line between Norden, Corfe Castle, Harman’s Cross and Swanage carries more than 200,000 passengers a year and contributes more than £15 million annually to the local economy.

The ‘Save Our Service’ appeal aims to plug the financial hole of the popular steam railway not running trains until further notice.

The appeal stood at £159,135 last Friday.

Swanage Railway Trust chairman Gavin Johns said: “I am delighted that Penny Pegler is very graciously supporting the Swanage Railway’s ‘Save Our Service’ appeal to help the line survive in the wake of the economic effects of coronavirus.

“I would like to thank Penny for her support as well as everyone who has made – and will make – a donation to the appeal during these extraordinary and challenging times. Several generations of remarkable people have rebuilt the Swanage Railway from nothing since 1976 and there is still so much more to achieve."

‘Save Our Service’ appeal cheques can be sent to the Swanage Railway Trust at Station House, Station Approach, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1HB. To donate by phone, text 'SOS' to 70470 to donate £10. This costs £10 plus a standard rate message.

Alternatively, you can choose to give any whole amount between £1 and £20. For example, texting 'SOS 4' equals a £4 donation plus a standard rate message.

For more information visit www.saveourservice.co.uk