STEAM enthusiasts in Teignbridge will have a rare chance to see an original Devon waggon in action this summer for the first time since the 1950s.

The legendary Sentinel Waggon 8850, affectionately known as The Lion, has been lovingly restored and will be appearing at shows including the popular Historic Vehicle Gathering at Powderham Castle.

It worked regularly at the Teignmouth Quay Company shutting railway trucks.

Owners Derek and Louise Gransden are taking The Lion on an extraordinary journey through Devon, marking the vehicle’s first return to its original working area since the 1950s.

Built in 1933 by Sentinel Waggon Works in Shrewsbury, 8850 was ordered by the Devon Trading Co. Ltd of Bideford and delivered that October.

Now restored to its original chocolate brown livery with bright yellow lettering, the seven-ton steam waggon with 24” drop sides ran between the company’s dozen branches.

During the Second World War, 8850 remained in constant service and later moved to the Teignmouth Quay Company, where it shunted railway trucks alongside Sentinel steam tractor No. 5644 The Elephant.

It was there that it earned the enduring nickname The Lion.

Now fully restored and maintained by Derek Gransden, The Lion is returning to Devon for the first time in more than 70 years, visiting key historic and transport events across the region in July and August.

It will be seen at Powderham Castle at the Historic Vehicle Gathering July 12 and 13.

Derek said: ‘Bringing The Lion back to Devon after more than 70 years is something really special for us, particularly as we live in Kent.

‘We’re especially looking forward to taking it back to places where it originally worked, like Teignmouth Quay.

‘Hopefully it will be an opportunity to connect with people who may be able to share some history with us. We hope steam lovers and locals alike will come and see it.’