DONORS who have helped restore an iconic locomotive got their first glimpse of how it will look.

Flying Scotsman emerged from under a huge sheet at the National Railway Museum in York last night, and will remain on display on the Leeman Road site’s turntable over the bank holiday.

The event was designed as a thank you for those who have made donations to the Save Our Scotsman appeal. The locomotive, bought by the museum in 2004, is set to be back on the tracks by the summer. “It represents the final stretch of the restoration and I’m so grateful for the support of the generous people and organisations who have helped us get here,” said museum director Steve Davies.

As well as donations from the general public, Tata Steel has also supported the five-year restoration work along with a £275,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Flying Scotsman-themed activities will be staged throughout the half-term break and more information is available by visiting nrm.org.uk/flyingscotsman