IT has already been immortalised in countless books and films over the years - but now the legendary Flying Scotsman is finding a new kind of fame.

For metal from the engine - arguably the most famous locomotive in the world - is now being turned into bronze cuff-links and sculptures.

The National Railway Museum at York managed to acquire the engine in 2004 after a huge fundraising campaign and it is undergoing an overhaul before returning to mainline working in 2009.

Many of its mechanical components are being replaced as part of the project - and specialist company TMB Art Metal is ensuring the discarded parts do not go to waste.

The company was founded by Christopher Bennett after the excavation in 2004 of a Hurricane fighter which crashed in London during the Second World War. He cast sculptures of the aircraft from the wreckage and one was presented to the Queen.

Now scrap metal from the Flying Scotsman is being used to create a range of cufflinks and commemorative sculptures.

Bronze is being taken from the boiler, chassis and firebox, while gunmetal is being taken from the old axle-box. The museum believes the components were originally installed on the engine just after the Second World War.

"Not many gentlemen can say that their cufflinks travelled over a million miles before ending up on their shirt sleeves - especially not as part of the world's most famous steam engine," said a museum spokesman.

Local sculptor Stephen Allen is responsible for the designs, and the cufflinks depict the driver's cab, complete with finely detailed driver, and the loco number 4472.

However, buying a little piece of locomotive history will not come cheap - the commemorative cufflinks are expected to retail for about £150, while the price of the sculptures will be announced later.

All the museum's profits from the sale of the items will be ploughed into the Flying Scotsman Appeal to support the restoration of the famous locomotive.

Mr Bennett said : "What could make a better gift for the cufflink-wearing, Flying Scotsman-loving gent who thought he had everything?