Legendary progressive rock musician Rick Wakeman is set to unveil a locomotive train dedicated to Radio Caroline, at Burnham's Mangapps Railway Museum on October 1.

The former 'Yes' keyboardist has scored one UK number one album, along with numerous accolades over half a century in the industry.

After unveiling the 'Radio Caroline' locomotive at around 12 noon, Rick Wakeman will drive it down the track.

Rick grew up in the 1960s, at the height of Radio Caroline's fame as a pirate radio station popular with youngsters.

Radio Caroline and BBC Essex presenter Ray Clark told Nub News: "We were aware he was a fan of Caroline."

Ray is friends with Mangapps owner John Jolly, so introduced him to Caroline station manager Peter Moore. John had recently purchased a 126-tonne Class 31 mainline loco built in 1959, and Ray suggested naming it after the local station.

Two special 'Radio Caroline' nameplates have been cast to go on the historic locomotive. (Photo: Ray Clark)

It worked out of London Liverpool Street Station and may well have hauled the trains that took the likes of Johnnie Walker and Tony Blackburn to Harwich in the 1960s.

Ray had previously interviewed Rick Wakeman following a successful advertising deal with his ticket vendor. Therefore, he got in touch to ask if he would like to be involved.

"I know you're interested in Caroline - I know you're interested in railways," Ray said.

"What about putting the two together?"

Rick responded immediately, even taking up the offer of driving the locomotive himself.

Two special 'Radio Caroline' nameplates have been cast, along with two 'Caroline' bell plates, which will be fixed to the loco prior to its unveiling.

The diesel train is part of a massive collection of locomotives and rolling stock, plus exhibits, train rides and a huge array of railway memorabilia at Mangapps.

Presenters Ray Clark, Graham Bannerman and Josh Holmes-Bright will join Rick for the unveiling.

Admission to the museum, including train rides and access to all the exhibits, costs £13. Anyone wearing a Caroline T-shirt, new or old, will get discounted entry at £8.

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