A STEAM locomotive has claimed the 2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the second year running.

The Torbay Express is a steam-hauled train with heritage carriages that runs on summer Sundays from Bristol Temple Meads across the Somerset levels and around the East Devon coast to Paignton.

It then travels on to the privately owned Paignton and Dartmouth Railway line to Kingswear.

From there passengers take the ferry to picturesque Dartmouth, where they spend around four hours exploring the town before heading home.

The achievement is a result of shining reviews from TripAdvisor travellers.

Barry Cordell, managing director of Torbay Express Ltd, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been awarded this certificate two years in a row.

“It is a reflection of the commitment and dedication of all the staff involved with the trains, from the Booking Office, through to the Frying Scotsman caterers .

“I would especially like to express my thanks to all the volunteer Stewards for all their dedication and commitment, which does so much to make the journey so memorable for the passengers.

“I would also like to thank all those passengers who posted such lovely reviews.”