Victoria NichollsSteam train enthusiasts were treated to the majestic sight of the iconic Oliver Cromwell as it cut through the Norfolk and Suffolk countryside at the weekend.Victoria Nicholls

Steam train enthusiasts were treated to the majestic sight of the iconic Oliver Cromwell as it cut through the Norfolk and Suffolk countryside at the weekend.

Keen spectators flocked to the sides of the region's railway tracks on Saturday to catch a glimpse of the famous steam locomotive as it traversed East Anglia in swathes of sunshine.

The Oliver Cromwell, pictured as it powered through the marshes at Haddiscoe, attracted attention as it drew in at Lowestoft for the second time this summer.

The former British Railways Britannia Pacific Class No 70013 last visited the town in May when it recreated The Easterling, a classic 1950s holiday express which used to run from London Liverpool Street to Beccles, where sections of the train continued to Lowestoft.

The popular train gave thousands of Londoners the opportunity to enjoy a trip in true style to the fresh country air of the Norfolk Broads and the east coast during the summer months.

The weekend's rail tour brought back the 1951-built locomotive to the line where it was a regular sight during its earliest years of service. The repeat event was arranged due to high demand after the May tour sold out quickly.

Saturday's journey saw the steam locomotive start its trip from London Liverpool Street and travel along the Great Eastern mainline, calling in at Colchester for water, before continuing along the line via Diss to Norwich.

The Cromwell then passed through Reedham and Haddiscoe before arriving in Lowestoft, after which it followed the East Suffolk line through Beccles to Ipswich, where it rejoined the main line and headed back to London.