THE restored Flying Scotsman is set to make an inaugural run from Kings Cross to York next February to launch a season of “Scotsmania” at the National Railway Museum.

The famous loco is to feature in an exhibition focussing on the reasons behind its celebrity, and visitors will be able to climb on the footplate and in the cab, with ticketed access inside the carriages.

Its story will also be brought to life as part of a continuing collaboration between the NRM and York Theatre Royal, which is currently staging The Railway Children at the museum complex in Leeman Road.

The museum's project to restore the Scotsman began in 2006 and was originally scheduled to last up to two years and cost about £750,000.

However it has been beset by technical difficulties which have led to the bill rising to about £4 million - and the works are now due to be completed before the end of the year.

A museum spokeswoman said: "To mark Flying Scotsman’s eagerly anticipated return to the tracks, we’re planning a whole season of events and activities from February 2016 at our York and Shildon museums to celebrate the fame and celebrity of the locomotive legend."

She said the date, prices and booking information for the inaugural run were still to be confirmed, but it would give fans the chance to ride with 'at least one celebrity' behind the loco, resplendent in new BR green livery as it makes a triumphant return home to the NRM.

The exhibition, which will run from February 12 until June 19, will explore why it is so well-known and how that fame has manifested itself.