ONE of last year’s big theatrical hits is returning - complete with a real Victorian locomotive in full steam.

Last year’s production of Edith Nesbit’s evergreen classic The Railway Children at the National Railway Museum in York proved to be a runaway success.

Staged in conjunction with York Theatre Royal, it was seen by more than 24,000 people - and thousands more had to be turned away.

It will return to the specially-constructed theatre space at the museum in July for a six-week run - and once again one of the stars will be Stirling Single, a 66-ton steam locomotive built in 1870 which features in the climactic scene.

The Theatre Royal’s chief executive, Daniel Bates, said: "We were thrilled with the success of the show last year, and so many people had to be turned away as tickets sold out, we thought we ought to give everyone a second chance to see the show.

"People travelled from all over the UK to see the show from the Outer Hebrides, Cornwall and London, putting York Theatre Royal, the National Railway Museum and the City of York firmly on the cultural map."

The museum’s festivals and events officer Rose Lindsay Smith added: "Last summer the Railway Children received huge critical acclaim and helped to establish the NRM as a venue for theatre and the arts."

*The show will run from July 23 to September 5. Tickets are now on sale at £15 to £18 for adults and £10 to £12 for children. A family ticket is available for £40 to £50 for four people. Contact 01904-623568 or visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk