Flying Scotsman sets off for inaugural London to York run
The Flying Scotsman made a triumphant return to the tracks when it set off on its inaugural run from London to York on Thursday after a £4.2m 10-year refit.
One of the world's most famous steam trains, the iconic locomotive was watched by crowds as it set off from King's Cross station.
SEE ALSO: The Flying Scotsman is back on track after £4.2m restoration
SEE ALSO:Britain's best rail journeys
Thousands of trainspotters are expected to head to the tracks and bridges up the East Coast Main Line to catch sight of the Flying Scotsman as it makes the non-stop journey.
There are 297 VIPs on board for the five-hour trip, including former MP Michael Portillo, who is filming BBC documentary Great British Railway Journeys.
Speaking to ITV News, he said: "It's absolutely wonderful that it's able to run today from London to York.
"We've got a very excited bunch of passengers. We've got a whole lot of history."
Meanwhile, enthusiasts are reportedly being warned to stay off the tracks after trespassers brought the locomotive to a "shuddering stop".
Network Rail: The Flying Scotsman was stopped in Cambridgeshire due to enthusiasts on the tracks..it's now underway again at a slower speed
— BBC Radio Sheffield (@BBCSheffield) February 25, 2016
Network Rail said it "had to stop all trains on the East Coast Main Line incl. #FlyingScotsman because of huge number of trespassers."
It added: "We're reminding people: Keep off the tracks. Stay safe. There are live trains running. #StaySafe #FlyingScotsman"
@BTPYork will you be prosecuting these trespassers that stopped the Flying Scotsman? pic.twitter.com/JIKEHbicst
— Jack Andrews (@jacktheitgeek) February 25, 2016
Virgin Trains East Coast tweeted about delays to its services and said: "Due to eager #FlyingScotsman photographers on the track near Peterborough, delays of 15 mins are expected. Don't be silly!"
The Flying Scotsman was bought by the National Railway Museum in York for £2.3 million in 2004 before its restoration began.
Jim Lowe, head of operations at the museum, told Sky News: "Along with all our generous supporters for this complex project to bring a 1920s-built cultural icon back to life, we have all been looking forward to this historic day when Flying Scotsman steams again."
The Flying Scotsman will tour the country from 6 March.
%VIRTUAL-TripAdvisorWidget%
