One of Britain’s most iconic and best-loved steam trains will make a historic return to the rails with the help of heritage railway enthusiasts in Greater Manchester.

The Flying Scotsman will undergo testing and trials on the East Lancashire Railway when its six-year overhaul is finally complete.

It is hoped it will be used to pull passenger trains on the line as part of the trials next year, but some of the tests will be done when the railway is closed.

Andy Coward, the railway’s general manager, said: “It is an honour and a privilege for us to be involved in the testing of the Flying Scotsman. ”

The Flying Scotsman was built in 1923 and became the flagship of the London and North Eastern Railway. It
became the first steam locomotive to officially record speeds of 100mph in 1934 and travelled 2 million miles before being withdrawn from service in 1963.

The engine, known to fans by its number, 4472, is owned by the National Railway Museum at York. The boiler that powers it has been rebuilt by Riley and Son Ltd, based at the ELR’s Baron Street Locomotive works in Bury.

ELR said an agreement has been reached by the firm’s managing director Ian Riley and the museum to do tests on the railway. The museum bought the Flying Scotsman for £2m in 2004 and started a £250,000
appeal to fund the restoration. Just over £140,000 has been raised so far. ELR was host to the Flying Scotsman in 1993. Its arrival is expected to draw massive crowds.