The vehicle, made by John Fowler Ltd of Hunslet, was gifted to the people of Pudsey in 1959 by local benefactor Sir Walter Ward.

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It was used as a plaything by local children visiting the park but it became derelict and had to be removed for safety reasons in 1986.

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Because of the way the engine was gifted to the town it cannot be sold by Leeds City Council.

Instead, the Road Roller Association has negotiated a 25-year loan of the steam roller and a Pudsey Roller Restoration Fund was set up to fund the necessary repair work to restore it so it can be used to promote the city's industrial heritage.

Brian Woolhouse, from the group, said: "We know there are quite a lot of Pudseyites far and wide who will remember the Pudsey Roller who actually got satisfaction as a child climbing on it and thinking they were the traction engine driver.

"They were great memories yet we need to get the message across that this engine is still in existence and will one day parade again in its full glory.

"We are also on the lookout to see if there is anybody out there with any photographers of the roller in Pudsey Park.

"We have collected a few but we would like more along with the main criteria donations to help fund the restoration."

Limited edition die-cast Roller Models have been specially made to aid the fund and each one comes with a certificate of authenticity.

They cost £12.45 each and this includes postage and packaging.

Anyone who is interested should contact (0113) 2579641.

For more information on the Pudsey Roller visit: www.r-r-a.org.uk