LEGENDARY steam locomotive the Flying Scotsman will this week carry out its first passenger run since being saved for the nation.

The television presenter Richard Whiteley, best known for Countdown, will blow the whistle to launch the engine on its journey from York to Scarborough tomorrow.

It will take 450 invited guests and official Scotsman supporter ticket holders on the first of its summer specials.

Travelling with Mr Whiteley will be Alan Pegler, who first owned Flying Scotsman when it was sold by British Rail in 1963.

The locomotive was bought this year after a campaign run by the National Railway Museum, in York.

Museum head Andrew Scott said: "This will be a very special summer for everyone who helped to save the locomotive for the nation."

Summer steam specials will run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, between tomorrow and August 31.

There will be two return trains per day from York, giving passengers the option of a lunchtime excursion, an evening sundowner special or a full-day excursion.

Passengers can also start their journey in Scarborough by booking a York return.

Tickets, including a light meal, are £35 return per adult and £20 return per child.

Standard returns without catering are £25 per adult and £15 per child.

Tickets can be booked at the National Railway Museum or Ticketmaster centres nationwide, by telephoning Ticketmaster on 0870 145 1198 or online at www.nrm.org.uk.

Published:19/07/2004