A MINIATURE steam engine will return to a stately home after major engine works on its boiler.

The Royal Scot has been one of Newby Hall’s most popular attractions and has even been enjoyed by Sir Jackie Stewart, who opened the adventure gardens at the hall in the 1980s.

It is the first time in more than five years that the famous engine will be running along the picturesque route beside the River Ure and through the award-winning gardens.

The miniature train has undergone extensive refurbishment funded by Joyce Battison, the daughter of Stanley Battison, the engineer who built the original train.

Commercial director Stuart Gill said: “We are delighted to have the Royal Scot Steam locomotive back where it belongs at Newby Hall.

“Thanks to the generosity of Joyce, this wonderful miniature steam train has been preserved so that our visitors can enjoy a ride for generations to come.”

Sir Jackie, a family friend of the Compton family who own Newby Hall, took the controls of the locomotive during his 1980s visit and a few lucky visitors had the honour of having the three times World Champion driving them along the route.

The Royal Scot will be running at Newby Hall and Gardens, near Ripon, every Sunday and Bank Holiday www.newbyhall.com.