THE world’s fastest steam locomotive is to receive a coveted engineering heritage award.

Mallard, based at the National Railway Museum in York, will be presented with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ (IMechE) Engineering Heritage Award at a presentation at the museum on Friday.

The date marks the anniversary of the death of the locomotive’s designer and past president of IMechE, Sir Nigel Gresley, and is also during the 75th anniversary year of Mallard setting a new world speed record of 126mph.

Mallard, one of six surviving examples of the A4 class of locomotive designed by Sir Gresley, covered almost 1.5 million miles before it was retired on April 25, 1963.

The award will be presented by John Wood, chairman of the institution’s engineering heritage committee, to Helen Ashby, head of knowledge and collections at the National Railway Museum.

Mr Wood said: “The A4 Pacific class locomotive Mallard is one of the most iconic engineering artefacts of the 20th Century, and an example of British ingenuity at its very best.

“Sir Nigel Gresley showed extraordinary ambition and vision in designing this locomotive, and it is testament to the work of the National Railway Museum that this awe-inspiring locomotive remains in such excellent condition.”

IMechE’s Engineering Heritage Awards recognise artefacts, locations, collections and landmarks of significant mechanical engineering importance.

Other holders of the badge include the E-Type Jaguar, Tower Bridge and the Vulcan bomber.

Ms Ashby said: “We’re so proud that Mallard has been recognised by the Institution as an icon of British engineering design in this 75th anniversary year of its still unbroken speed record.

“We hope people will come to the museum’s Great Hall to see the award winner now and also in July when the record-breaking locomotive will be joined by its surviving sisters for our Great Gathering celebrating 75 years of Britain’s steam speed record.”