Train buffs, families and locals alike were abuzz to catch a glimpse of the Flying Scotsman this weekend as it visits County Durham marking the end of its centenary tour - are you in any of our photographs?

Locomotion in Shildon was packed with eager locals on Saturday (December 16) for the first day of the Flying Scotsman's stay in County Durham.

Nearly 4,000 people have so far booked in to marvel at the famous steam train just this weekend, showing unprecedented demand for perhaps the world's most famous steam locomotive.

Pictures show visitors patiently queuing to get a closer look inside the historic train, which will now remain at Locomotion and is available to view until January 7, 2024.

The initial arrival of the Scotsman was not publicised, making it an unexpected treat for visitors to the museum who visited on Thursday, December 14.

Sarah Price, Head of Locomotion added: "Getting Flying Scotsman to Locomotion at the end of its centenary year is so brilliant for our visitors, and everyone in the North East - this is the world’s most famous locomotive."

She added: "It’s special because of people’s connections to it.

"The railways in the North East are so intimately connected, everybody here that was involved in the early railways went and spread the word around the world and Flying Scotsman is a steam locomotive that has gone round the world."

Here are some pictures of visitors to the museum on Saturday - can you spot yourself?

The Northern Echo: The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon.The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon.The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon.The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon.The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon.The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

The Northern Echo: The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon.The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon.The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)


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The Northern Echo: The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon.The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon.The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion, Shildon. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)