A STEAM engine which has made headlines around the world is to take part in a celebration of the Queen’s diamond jubilee.

Tornado is to recreate an iconic steam train, “The Elizabethan Express”, to commemorate the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.

The journey between Edinburgh and London will also give people in the region a chance to view Tornado, which was built from scratch by volunteers in Darlington, as it hauls the train.

The Elizabethan was the premier train on the East Coast Main Line in the postwar period and was named in honour of the Queen’s Coronation in 1953. It was eventually withdrawn from service in 1962.

Tornado was built in a carriage shed in Hopetown, Darlington, as part of a £3m project lasting nearly 20 years.

She will haul the newlyrecreated Elizabethan on July 25 from Edinburgh Waverley to London King’s Cross.

The journey will be the reverse of the one made when Tornado featured in a race between a classic car and motorbike from London to Edinburgh on BBC’s Top Gear programme.

Earlier that day The Elizabethan will have been hauled from London to Edinburgh by one of the first diesel engines, a Deltic D90009, Alycidon.

Mark Allatt, chairman of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, the charity behind Tornado, said: “We expect there to be much fast running at the permitted maximum of 75mph and with this being a summer tour, we anticipate wonderful views of the Scottish coast and the Northumberland and Yorkshire scenery with the long daylight hours.”

Tickets for The Elizabethan are priced at standard class (adult £99, junior £49), first class (adult £149, junior £119) and premier dining (adult £225, junior £195) with all profits going to The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust.

Tables for two in first class and premier dining are available for a supplement of £25.

For more details, call 01453- 835414/834477 or visit a1steam.com

• The Northern Echo is giving readers the chance to have a jubilee message to the Queen printed in a supplement that will be sent to Buckingham Palace. To send the message, text ROYAL to 80360, followed by your name, location and message. Your message must total no more than 160 characters.

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