Steam preservation enthusiasts are hoping that the discovery of lethal asbestos in historic waterworks at Twyford, near Winchester, won't sound the death knell for an old friend.

It has been found in three Babcock Wilcox boilers, which are maintained by the volunteers of the Twyford Waterworks Trust.

The boilers date to 1901, 1903 and 1916 and the trust believes the latter is the oldest working model in Britain. It powers a 1914 Hathorn Davey steam engine which the trust restored in 1996.

Southern Water, which owns the premises, leasing it to the trust, has decided that the boilers must be made safe.

"They're going to be sealed, certainly in the short term. In the long term, maybe there's a possibility for removing the asbestos," said a spokesman.

Certainly, the trust is hoping that, one day, all three boilers will be back in action.

"We're not going to lie down and let those boilers die. We've got to get them back in working order," said steam engineer, Keith Hawkins.

The trust is hoping that someone can lend them a boiler, preferably powered by oil or gas, to get their engine running again in time for the summer.

It organises tours of the waterworks between June and September and this year's open days are on May 2nd and October 3rd.

Twyford Waterworks was opened in 1900 and is classified by the Government as an ancient monument.

In its heyday, the pumping station there could process over two million gallons every 24 hours.

If you can help the trust find a suitable boiler, capable of producing 4,000lbs of steam per hour, ring Mr Hawkins on 01962-732964 or e-mail Khawkins126@aol.com.