AN appeal to restore one of the world’s most iconic locomotives has steamed past a major milestone.

The National Railway Museum, in York, launched a £250,000 appeal earlier this year to put the Flying Scotsman, pictured right, back on the tracks. Donations to the Steam Our Scotsman have now exceeded £100,000.

The museum saved No 4472 in 2004 and is asking the public to help the restoration by sponsoring various parts.

So far, it has attracted many donors – including Wendy Dashwood-Quick, of Essex, who is the great-granddaughter of William Worboys, who regularly drove the train between London and Edinburgh before the Second World War.

Mr Worboys, who lived in London and had nine children, became a minor celebrity of his day when he starred in an Ovaltine advertising campaign.

“As soon as I found out about the SOS Appeal, I just had to get involved as I have such a strong personal connection with the Scotsman. For me, and many others, it is so much more than just a machine,” she said.

The quest to put the Scotsman back on the tracks has also struck a chord with a new generation of enthusiasts. Appeal organisers have been overwhelmed by the support received from youngsters.

Six-year-old Harry England, from Norfolk, organised a railthemed cafe day at his local village hall, and Zak Parlby, also six, from Whitby, completed a sponsored swim.

Senior development officer Fran Critchley said: “We’ve been amazed by the support and our next target is the half way mark. It just goes to show that even in today’s economic climate people are willing to commit to the causes they care deeply about.”

Visit flyingscotsman.org.uk, call 01904 685707 or email sos.appeal@nrm.org.uk