THE first of a host of steam locomotives produced at a Manchester factory has arrived back home in preparation for centenary celebrations.

The William Francis Beyer-Garratt arrived by road at the Museum of Science & Industry ahead of an event to mark 100 years since the first Beyer-Garratt model was produced in January 1909. Up to 100 Beyer-Garratt machines, built by the world-acclaimed Beyer Peacock's works in Gorton, will be reunited in the `Great Garratt Gathering'.

The 61.5 tonne locomotive, built in 1937, arrived back in city yesterday , where it was rolled off a low-loader into the MoSI's former Liverpool Road railway station site. The event, which will take place on the weekend of August 14-16, will be opened by railway enthusiast and record producer Pete Waterman.

Members of the public will be able to see working and static displays as well as enjoy a steam train ride around the museum's historic site.