SCHOOLCHILDREN, an MP and even another museum are the latest to put their weight behind the campaign to keep the Flying Scotsman in this country.

They have each given their backing to the National Railway Museum (NRM), in York, which is trying to raise enough cash to buy the famous locomotive.

Sealed bids for the engine must be in by Friday next week and with the deadline drawing ever nearer the appeal for funds has gone into overdrive.

Foreign enthusiasts are known to be interested in acquiring the loco for their own collections, but the NRM want to keep it for this country - and has plans to display it both in York and at its new attraction at Shildon, County Durham.

Their SOS - Save Our Scotsman - fund has now topped £350,000 and hundreds of letters are pouring in each day pledging donations and support.

Yesterday, youngsters from a Yorkshire school did their bit by donating their pocket money to the appeal during a visit to the museum.

Year two pupils from Inglebrook School, Pontefract, decided to hand over their weekly allowances when they visited as part of their studies.

The Conservative MP for the Vale of York, Ann McIntosh, has also given her support, and has tabled a Parliamentary motion in support.

She is asking the Government to take action to keep the engine in this country and has also contacted the Heritage Lottery Fund asking for financial support for the campaign.

Further support has come from an apparent rival to the NRM - the Yorkshire Air Museum at nearby Elvington.

Operations manager Ian Dewar said: "I can think of no better place than the National Railway Museum for its permanent home. This campaign must receive the practical support of government - and without delay."

Published: 26/03/2004