IT WAS full steam ahead for one of Hampshire's most historic and best preserved traction engines this week.

The nine and a half tonne metal beauty "Katrina" headed from her home at Bursledon Brickworks Museum in Swanwick, Southampton, hundreds of miles across the Irish Sea to Inneshannon near Cork to raise money for an Irish cancer charity.

The former fairground engine, which dates from 1917, has only had three owners from new and is thought to be the best-preserved example of its type in Britain.

Katrina began her journey from Southampton on Friday on the back of a low-loader. She was driven to Swansea before crossing the Irish Sea and arriving in Inneshannon - a town just 13 miles outside Cork.

Current owner Stuart Maggs, 52, of Bassett Avenue in Southampton has been the proud possessor of Katrina for the past 13 years.

Batchelor Stuart would not reveal how much the engine was worth but swore he would never part with her. He said: "I can't afford to be married and have a steam engine! I have been offered blank cheques for this engine but she will take me to my final resting place."