AN EDWARDIAN engine left to rust for years on Brownsea Island will run again this year after a painstaking restoration.
The single-cylinder Otto cycle engine, which dates back to around 1907, was discovered in pieces on the National Trust property.
It was originally installed to supply electricity to Brownsea Castle but fell into disrepair.
In the 1990s, the engine was dismantled for a restoration project that never began and the parts were left in the engine room.
However, the room was eventually turned into a shop and the engine was taken out. Some parts remained outdoors for years.
A team of skilled volunteers have now restored the engine after it was discovered once again.
Phil Pickering, one of the boatmen and rangers on Brownsea Island, said: "We have now trialled running the engine and it really is quite magnificent.
"It is such an interesting insight into the past and a fantastic opportunity for people to witness such a beautiful piece of engineering."
The National Trust hopes to run the engine once again this year.
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