ONE of the steam-belching legends of the railways pulled into York under its own power yesterday to join the biggest ever celebration of Britain’s rail heritage.

No 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley travelled from Grosmont on the North York Moors to take her place as one of the stars of Railfest 2012 at the National Railway Museum.

The loco, named in honour of engineer Sir Nigel Gresley, who designed Britain's most famous steam locomotives including the Flying Scotsman and Mallard, is currently celebrating its 75th year.

Famous for setting the record for fastest UK post-war steam speed record with a speed of 112mph in 1959, the engine was saved from the scrapyard in 1966 by a small group who set up a preservation society that still cares for the engine today.

Unlike Mallard's speed record of 126mph - a record which still stands making it the fastest steam locomotive in the world - Sir Nigel Gresley's record was achieved with a trainload of passengers on an excursion.

Museum director Steve Davies said: "Sir Nigel Gresley is a part of the nation's history, the locomotive's designer has given us some of the fastest, most powerful and beautiful engines in the world.

“Nothing can match the spectacle of a locomotive in steam and so to welcome this magnificent engine to the museum next week in all her glory is a fitting countdown to Railfest."

Railfest opens tomorrow and continues to June 10. For more details visit nrm.org.uk/railfest2012