Flying Scotsman tested on East Lancashire Railway

One of Britain's most iconic steam trains will return to the rails with the help of Greater Manchester heritage railway enthusiasts.

The Flying Scotsman will undergo testing and trials on the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) 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.

Andy Coward from ELR said the train would be a massive draw.

"It's one of those names that anyone whether interested in trains or not, will connect with.

"It is an honour and a privilege for us to be involved in the testing of the Flying Scotsman," he said.

The class A3 Pacific locomotive 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officially record speeds of 100mph in 1934 and in its career it travelled 2,000,000 miles (3,200,000 km) before being withdrawn from service in 1963.

The engine, known to fans by its number, 4472, is owned by the National Railway Museum (NRM) at York.