THE Llangollen Railway Great Western Locomotive Group has thanked everyone who has supported its 5532 Tube Appeal to date.

The restoration project was set up to repair the 5532 locomotive erected in the engine shed at Llangollen.

Last year, the group launched an appeal to raise £20,000 to complete an overhaul of the boiler and return the small Prairie to the tracks.

The project is now edging closer to completion thanks to the help of several sponsors who have stepped in to cover the costs of tubes.

However, the team in charge of renovations still need some support.

In a statement, Llangollen Rail Great Western Locomotive Group's Paul Bailey said: "We required six large superheater tubes at £275 each, which have all been sponsored.

"166 of the 195 small tubs at £50 each have also been sponsored to date, leaving just 29 left.

The group also needs eight crown stays (£120 each), 35 steel stays (£35 each) and 240 copper stays (£70 each) to be sponsored before the 5532 can be fully repaired.

The statement from Paul Bailey added: "If you can help to sponsor any of these items including the remaining small tubes I will be pleased to hear from you.

"Alternatively, if you can afford £10 per month then please join our “5532 Club” to help fund our Boiler works. We have 27 that have joined so far but if we could double this membership then that would be bringing in over £500 per month."

Anyone interested in donating can contact Paul on 01490 450271.