LEGENDARY locomotive the Flying Scotsman will have steam fans flocking to Rossendale next year for a sneak peek of its new look.

The iconic engine will make its first public appearance for a decade on the tracks between Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom after completing a £4.2million restoration project.

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The East Lancashire Railway is staging a Scotsman in Steam Preview on January 9, 10, 16 and 17, giving people the chance to ride behind the engine on a series of test runs before it is officially unveiled at London’s Kings Cross station.

General manager at the ELR, Andy Morris, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to host the celebrated locomotive.

“As one of the world’s most famous engines, Flying Scotsman resonates with many.

“It is hoped that its accolade as one of the greatest transport achievements of all time, combined with nostalgic appeal and celebrity, will encourage audiences from the North West and beyond to sample this slice of history.”

The Flying Scotsman is regarded as the world’s most famous engine due to its celebrity status and successful record-breaking achievements, which include becoming the first to break the 100mph speed barrier in 1934.

Built in Doncaster in 1923, the locomotive was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley for the London and North Eastern Railway.

In 1928 it hauled the first ever non-stop London to Edinburgh service, slashing eight hours off the journey time.

Its rebirth began in 2004 when it was bought for £2.3m by York’s National Railway Museum and is said to be one of the most complex restorations of a locomotive ever undertaken.

For the past two years it has been based at steam and diesel engineering specialists Riley & Son (E) Ltd in Bury, who confirmed it will return to its wartime black livery.

For more information visit eastlancs railway.org.uk or nrm.org.uk/flyingscots man.