THE world's most famous locomotive will steam back into York on a £350-a-head trip this summer after a break of over 30 years.

The Flying Scotsman will be back in mainline business after having had a three-year, £1 million restoration.

The 160-ton legend, the first locomotive to reach 100mph, will return to York on July 4 on the trip from London's Kings Cross.

It will be the start of regular main line charter services for the Doncaster-built loco, which from 1923 ran on the London and North Eastern Railway, and later on British Rail.

After a 40-year main line career which ended in 1963, its future had at times looked in doubt, but pharmaceutical entrepreneur Dr Tony Marchington, who bought it from Sir William McAlpine for £1.5 million in 1996, has masterminded its restoration.

"At the time there were many sceptics who doubted my determination and financial ability to complete the task," said Dr Marchington.

"I must admit it was a daunting prospect, but there was no way I was prepared to let this magnificent example of Britain's railway heritage fade away."

The loco was owned earlier this decade by pop impresario Pete Waterman and then by Sir William McAlpine.

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