A MILESTONE in restoring famous old locomotive Flying Scotsman was reached today with the reuniting of the loco's chassis with the newly-rebuilt boiler.

The joining job was carried out at the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York and represents a big step forward to getting the loco running again by next year.

Designed in 1923 and once a feature of mainline passenger services, the Flying Scotsman was bought for the nation in 2004 but £250,000 is now needed from public donations to complete the restoration.

NRM director Andrew Scott said today: ''The reunion of the boiler and chassis represents a great step forward in the restoration of Flying Scotsman.

''We're keen to remind the public that they are welcome to watch work taking place on Flying Scotsman almost every day of the year from our workshop balcony.

''Our SOS appeal has already received an overwhelming response from the public and we hope that they will continue to pledge their support for this national icon to ensure we can keep taking these great steps forward and see her steaming once again in 2010.''