THE fair name of Horwich is being maintained in Derbyshire, I learned recently.

Mr Mike Strange of the Steeple Grange Light Railway was one of the guests at the opening of the on-going exhibition - Horwich Loco Works Remembered (1884-1984) - in the Horwich Resource Centre in Longworth Road.

He acquired one of the small diesel locomotives which used to operate within the Horwich Loco works and spent two years repairing and repainting it.

At one point it was destined for export, but never left Liverpool.

It lay neglected on the docks and had several owners before rail enthusiast Mr Strange rescued loco ZM32 and subsequently named it "Horwich."

It now runs on an 18 inch gauge line built on the trackbed of a branch of the Old Cromford and High Peak Railway between Steeplehouse and Killersdale.

The SGLR Society was formed in 1988 and there are plans to extend the existing railway, which runs through an overgrown quarry, to more than a mile in length.

The town mayor of Horwich, Cllr Bob Ronson, has visited Steeple Grange to congratulate Mr Strange and thank him for renaming the loco after its last place of work.

Details about the running of the railway are available from Mr Strange on 01629 57759 or from the group's website - www.steeplegrange.org.uk

The free Horwich exhibition is open on Saturdays (10am to noon) and Wednesdays (2pm to 4pm) or by appointment.