A STEAM engine which  is more than 100 years old had to "rest" for a few days in Copford before being displayed at the Colchester Garrison Show later this month.

The Ransomes steam engine, which was built in Ipswich in 1916, was in Colchester for the Aldham Old Time Rally.

However, the engine needed to stop for attention to the pump used to top up the boiler, meaning a rest at the Alma pub, in Copford.

Engine owner Richard Hemington said: “It would be too dangerous to work on the pump when the boiler was still hot and full of steam.

“The Alma kindly hosted the engine for a few days. Once the boiler was cold, we did the required work, topped up the boiler and were able to steam on our way.”

Engine - Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies Limited were an agricultural brand in Suffolk that closed in 1998Engine - Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies Limited were an agricultural brand in Suffolk that closed in 1998 (Image: Submitted)

The engine was used by the Army Forage Department for baling hay for horses during the First World War.

Richard said it probably worked locally, as the Army sold it in Colchester in 1920.

He added: “Thanks to the Alma, the engine was able to continue steaming into Colchester, which is where it will be back with the Army for the 16 Air Assault Brigade and Colchester Garrison Show on Abbey Field on Saturday, June 29.”