Hundreds of well-wishers gathered at a popular rail tourist attraction in St Newlyn East on Monday to attend the official naming ceremony for its brand-new train.

Lappa Valley unveiled The City of Truro diesel locomotive as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.

The attraction had put out an appeal to suggest names for the new locomotive which arrived at the railway last year.

Thousands of suggestions were submitted and it was three siblings Henry, Edward and Poppy who suggested the ultimate winner, City of Truro.

The children who chose the name of the new train, with father Nigel (Lappa Valley)

The name of the new locomotive was unveiled in dramatic fashion at a special event, with it roaring out of the railway’s new tunnel after being signalled with a whistle and green flag by the three children.

It was then blessed by Canon Chris McQuillen-Wright from the Benefice of Towan Blystra, which includes St Newlyn East Church. 

The new locomotive, driven by Operations Manager Ben Harding emerges from the tunnel after the name reveal (Lappa Valley)

Keith Southwell, owner of Lappa Valley said: “This is a really special moment in the history of Lappa Valley, as we kick off our 50th celebrations with the first brand new mainline train to join us since 1974.

“We had some excellent name suggestions. However, we chose “City of Truro” because we are extremely proud of our Cornish DNA and the name reflects our passion for the county we call home.”

City of Truro is a diesel locomotive which forms part of a new set which includes five passenger carriages and a buggy wagon.

It was designed and built by hand for Lappa Valley by renowned train builders Alan Keef Limited, representatives of whom were in attendance at the ceremony.

Featuring low floor access, the train significantly increases the number of wheelchair users able to ride each trip and is equipped with an extremely economical diesel engine, cutting emissions compared to current diesel options.

The project is the latest in a series of major investments for the family attraction, which over the last three years has opened a purpose-built cafe, soft play centre and a brand new accessible adventure golf course amongst many other projects.

In November the attraction was awarded gold for the second consecutive year in the Cornwall Tourism Awards, and is in the finals of the South West Tourism Excellence Awards for the second time.

Keith added: “We are particularly passionate in ensuring Lappa Valley is as accessible as possible. We’re continually looking to make a day out at Lappa as enjoyable as possible for people of all abilities.

“Alongside our recent investment in a Changing Places toilet facility, this train will help us to welcome as many people as we can.

 “This new train, along with our other recent investments shows our ongoing commitment to the diverse tourism industry here in Cornwall, of which we are very proud to represent and promote.”