GWYNNETH Paltrow's new co-star looks set to steam ahead in the film industry.

The good-looking Furness Railway No.

20 has been given a star part in the Oscar-winner's new blockbuster Possession.

The oldest-working standard gauge steam locomotive in the country, renovated by Furness Railway Trust, is normally based at Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

But the old trouper was needed to haul four vintage carriages on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, as part of a scene straight from the Victorian era.

Also taking part were FRT chairman Tim Owen, of Cark, author of a book on the engine's renovation, and John Wilkinson, of Pennington, who helped rebuild the engine.

It was their first film role, and "like a little boy's dream," commented Mr Owen.

"I had the joy of being on the footplate, a locomotive to play with, and was being filmed at the same time.

"The locomotive performed without a hitch and earned much praise from the location team."

No.

20 needed no touching up for the shoot, but Mr Owen and his co-driver spent an hour in make-up before they were allowed on set.

"I looked about 95 by the time they had finished," said Mr Owen.

Filming in mid-September was kept secret until recently, to prevent hoardes of No.

20 fans getting in the way of filming.