TIMETABLED twice-daily steam trains are to return to one of the country's main lines for the first time in nearly 34 years.

Carnforth-based West Coast Railway Company is to run trips from York to the North Yorkshire resort of Scarborough, and back, under the historic Scarborough Spa Express banner, from June 30 to September 1 on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Hauling many of the trains will be the locomotive that starred in the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Great Western Railway 4-6-0 No 5972 Olton Hall.

Trains will run like normal services. Passengers will just have to turn up and board the train.

The price of a return adult ticket will be £15.

British Rail ended timetabled steam services on its main lines in August 1968.