A vintage steam train built by construction students has won the mayor of Havering’s chosen charities £2,000 after stunning judges at London’s New Year’s Day Parade.

Romford Recorder: Havering's steam engine float travels through London during the New Year's Day paradeHavering's steam engine float travels through London during the New Year's Day parade (Image: Archant)

charities £2,000 after stunning judges at London’s New Year’s Day Parade.

The majestic green engine journeyed through the streets of Westminster and was named sixth best in show – securing the cash prize.

At the helm was Mayor of Havering, Cllr Linda Trew, who said: “It has been a fantastic event. I am so, so proud to be the Mayor of Havering and want to thank all the people who contributed to the borough’s entry.

“The float constructed by the students and staff of Havering College was amazing. Everyone was so impressed by it. There were a lot of compliments.”

Romford Recorder: Havering's steam engine float travels through London during the New Year's Day paradeHavering's steam engine float travels through London during the New Year's Day parade (Image: Archant)

The float had been designed and built by construction staff and students at the college’s Rainham Campus Construction Centre.

Students Ben Leask, 17, and Jake Steadmnan, 16, both of Harold Hill, joined the mayor aboard the engine to wave at the 550,000 spectators who packed the 2.2mile route..

The prize money will benefit the mayor’s charities add+up, the Alzheimer’s Society and Mind. while the float will return to the Rainham Campus where further work will be undertaken to prepare it for longer term legacy use in the borough.