THE world-famous Flying Scotsman is set to return to the East Lancashire Railway later in the year - this time in its traditional colours.

Train buffs will now get to see the classic locomotive thunder by in its British Rail green - thanks to the efforts of a specialist East Lancashire company.

Before returning to the rails as part of a £4.2million overhaul by the National Railway Museum, the Flying Scotsman underwent test runs on the East Lancs line, which runs from Rawtenstall to Heywood via Bury.

And as a reward, the first official outing for the 1923 masterpiece took place on the line between the Bury Bolton Street and Ramsbottom stations in January, attracting national interest.

However the much loved steam engine was just in a black undercoat awaiting a new coat of paint.

Now four dates have now been offered by the train's operators for East Lancs - October 13 to 16 - with all places aboard various passenger and dining car services expected to quickly sell out.

The painstaking paint job was carried out by Ian Hewitt, of Darwen-based Heritage Painting, who had a team of five working on the loco in just 10 days, stripping the engine and applying undercoat, gloss and varnish by hand.

Mr Hewitt said at the time: "We've painted Gresley greats before including the world’s fastest locomotive, Mallard, but it’s an absolute honour to transform Flying Scotsman, the most famous of them all into its new livery."

Mike Kelly, the ELR chairman, has also confirmed that paid staff and volunteers from the company and preservation society will take part in a celebration run on the opening night, as a thank-you from the board.

He said: " In addition, for those volunteers who will be rostered for this special train, we are offering free seats for those wishing to ride behind the Scotsman on another service journey over that weekend."

An ELR spokesman said: "This will be the second opportunity for visitors to see the Flying Scotsman at the East Lancashire Railway, following its test runs on the line back in January.

"This time instead of its black undercoat, the world famous engine will be resplendent in its BR Brunswick Green livery."