Hythe Pier locomotive built in 1917 named after Edward Fort

The 2,100ft pier is home to a narrow gauge railway that takes passengers to and from a pontoon used by the Hythe-Southampton ferry.

As reported in the Daily Echo, damage to the pontoon has resulted in the ferry service being suspended indefinitely.

One of the locomotives serving the pier's electric railway is named after Gerald Yorke, who oversaw the construction of the track in 1922.

The other has now been named after Edward Fort, chairman of a Beaulieu-based organisation that has helped fund the restoration of the engines - officially known as tractor units - and the carriages.

A narrow gauge electric railway has been operating on Hythe Pier for more than 100 years (Image: Alan Titheridge)

The naming ceremony was performed by Mr Fort's daughter, Jo Shields.

She said: "It's an honour to have this 107-year-old locomotive named after him. His life has been built around engineering and supporting the people and communities around him."

READ MORE: Enthusiasts complete first phase of project to restore narrow gauge electric railway on Hythe Pier

Previously known as Brush 16302, it is said to be the oldest surviving locomotive of its type. 

A Hythe Pier Heritage Association (HPHA) spokesperson said: "It's been completely stripped back and is now nearing completion of its renovation, using as many of the original components and as much of the original bodywork as possible."

A narrow gauge electric railway has been operating on Hythe Pier for more than 100 years (Image: Nigel Hasted)

The locomotive was built in 1917 and used at a munitions factory in Bristol before sold by the War Office after the First World War.

It was one of three bought by the ferry's then owner, Thomas Percy, who had decided to operate a tramway along the pier.

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The HPHA spokesperson said: "Locomotive 16307 bears the name 'Gerald Yorke' in honour of the railway engineer who oversaw the laying down of the track and the introduction of the tramway.

"In 1935 Mr Yorke recommended that the tractor units be broken up and replaced by something more modern, but financial constraints imposed on Mr Percy by his order for two new ferry boats, Hotspurs II and III, stopped any modernisation."

A narrow gauge electric railway has been operating on Hythe Pier for more than 100 years (Image: Supplied)

The naming ceremony was attended by HPHA chairman Anthony Smith, whose guests included Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and trustees of the Beaulieu Beaufort Foundation.

Mr Smith asked Mrs Shields her to thank her father "for all the support he and the Foundation have given to the restoration of the train, which is of such great benefit to the Hythe community".

The newly-named locomotive is expected to enter service in the next few weeks.