IT is 160 years since a Northern seaside resort welcomed its first tourists to arrive by train - signalling the beginning of a long holiday love affair with the town.

More than 15,000 people turned out for the opening of the York to Scarborough line in August 1845 and in Scarborough itself, the streets were lined with people and brass bands played.

Yesterday, the bands were out again to celebrate that inaugural steam run, as the Flying Scotsman set out on its latest summer excursion.

The Ride the Legend service was played out of York Station by the Malton White Star Band and an hour later was greeted in Scarborough by the Simply Brass Band.

Along the 42-mile route to the coast, passengers were given flags and seaside rock from staff in period costume.

The mayor of Scarborough, Derek Bastiman, was at Scarborough station to welcome the Flying Scotsman.

"The opening of the York to Scarborough railway line must rank as one of the most important events in the history of our town," he said.

"It has been the backbone of our tourist economy for 160 years following the arrival of the first holidaymakers."

The head at the National Railway Museum, Andrew Scott added: "The railway turned Scarborough into an incredibly popular resort.

"Where once it had been a playground for only the rich and privileged, almost over-night it was possible for ordinary people to escape to the seaside."