The Flying Scotsman has made a triumphant return to a County Durham museum this week and will be open for visitors to see for the next few months.

Locomotion has finally welcomed back the Flying Scotsman seven months after it left after Christmas - which will be steaming along its tracks in Shildon all summer long.

The historic steam train was visible to attendees today (July 19) until September 1. Those hoping to attend do not have to pay but are advised to pre book a free ticket to ensure entry. 

The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion in Shildon.The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion in Shildon. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

This time around, Locomotion is offering both rides on brake cars pulled by the Scotsman as well as a chance to sit in the drivers seat.

Head of Locomotion, Sarah Price said: "The last time the Scotsman was here was at Christmas. We got just short of 40,000 visitors which is amazing. 

"Lots of people said they didn't get a chance to see it then as it was so busy or they were away at Christmas, so they were asking when it would be coming back. 

"To be able to bring it back at summer is just fantastic."

She added: "We are a year out from the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington railway, which is so important for our region.

"Let's get everybody interested in the history of the railway - it's a part of our history. If we can talk about it, get that pride and excitement back, it will be absolutely brilliant."

Senior curator Anthony Coulls aboard The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion in Shildon.Senior curator Anthony Coulls aboard The Flying Scotsman at Locomotion in Shildon. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Pictures taken on its first full day in Shildon shows the Flying Scotsman steaming away in place - with its first visitors - pupils from Timothy Hackworth Primary School.

Senior curator Anthony Coulls said: "To have the engine here, being able to get people up close and personal is really special. We do a lot of running with it on mainline and heritage railways where people can see it at speed.

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"But, to be able to have a close encounter of the Scotsman's kind, per say, is unique. It is the people's engine.

"To have this national treasure here in the community in Shildon, the cradle of the railway is a really special thing to see."

To find out more about the Scotsman at Locomotion, click here.