The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway conjured up a visit from the biggest star of the Harry Potter films to celebrate the 25th Cotswold Festival of Steam.

The star attraction is the Hall Class locomotive No. 5972 Olton Hall, better known to Potter fans as Hogwarts Express.

The train hauls young wizards from King's Cross station Platform 9¾ to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the popular films.

The famous steam engine arrived at GWR's Toddington station yesterday ahead of this weekend's festival.

The train will be working hard, along with six other locomotives, carrying passengers between Cheltenham racecourse and Toddington.

It will continue to operate on the line on May 27, 28, 30 and 31 – the first time Olton Hall has operated public trains on a heritage railway.

GWR commercial director Malcolm Temple said: "This is probably one of the world's most famous steam trains, as it has appeared in all of the Harry Potter films, which have been seen by millions in cinemas all over the world.

"It is a unique chance for visitors to see this magical engine in all its glory and to ride through the Cotswold countryside in a train pulled by it.

"This is the first time the engine has operated services on a heritage railway for families to enjoy.

"We are thrilled the GWR is where this is happening. What a fantastic way for the GWR to celebrate 25 years of operation."