Robert the Engine, the 80-year-old locomotive outside Stratford Regional Station, will be moved on Sunday to allow preparations for construction for the next phase of work to upgrade the front of Stratford Regional Station.

Robert will temporarily live at the East Anglian Railway Museum (EARM) at Chappel and Wakes Colne Station in Suffolk, and he will return to Stratford in about three years time.

ODA Director of Transport Hugh Sumner said: 'This is great news for Stratford as Robert will come back spick and span to a vastly improved station. I am delighted that the East Anglian Railway Museum are going to look after him for the next three years, and tell more people about the wonderful and varied history this special locomotive has.

'I hope Robert will gain even more fans in the South East, and that they will look forward to seeing him in Stratford when they come up to watch the Games in 2012.'

Mike Stanbury, Curator at the EARM, said: 'We are delighted to offer Robert a home during the reconstruction at Stratford, and we are going to put him at the top of the museum drive. Robert is replacing an old tank wagon which will go off for a repaint.'

Councillor Conor McAuley, Executive Member for Regeneration from Newham Council, said: 'Robert the Steam Engine is held in great affection in Stratford as a symbol of the historic importance of the area's rail lands. The train will be well looked after while the extensive work progresses to transform the area round the station.

'He will return looking as good as new in keeping with a modernised Meridian Square and will form an important link between the area's industrial past and bright future.'

Notes to Editors

1. For photos of Robert outside Stratford please contact Holly Wheeler at the ODA press office on 0203 2012 669.

2. For more information on Robert’s history please contact The Newham Council press office on 020 8430 2078.

3. For more information on the East Anglian Railway Museum or to interview staff who worked on moving Robert, please contact Mike Stanbury on 07187 224724.

4. Details on the start of the next phase of construction will be announced shortly.

For further information please contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 700.

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