A MUSEUM has reported increased visitor numbers thanks to the crowd-drawing Flying Scotsman and performances from York Theatre Royal.

The National Railway Museum in York has announced a 3.1 per cent rise in visitors, which is playing its part in record figures for the Science Museum Group for 2015 to 2016.

Around 750,000 people flocked to the NRM over a year which saw it stage In Fog and Falling Snow and The Railway Children as well as hosting Flying Scotsman.

NRM director Paul Kirkman said: “The increase in visitors to the National Railway Museum is testament to the fantastic year we have had.

"Our ground-breaking partnership with York Theatre Royal saw two of the city’s heavyweight cultural institutions pool resources, expertise and enthusiasm to engage audiences in the history of the railways in new, exciting ways.

"Now we’re delighted to have Flying Scotsman on display as part of our season of events and exhibitions celebrating the famous steam engine, and we look forward to welcoming more visitors to see the loco up close over the coming weeks.”

Visits to the NRM at Shildon, County Durham, also continue to rise, reaching 213,000 in 2015 to 2016.

Flying Scotsman was restored by the NRM during a 10-year £4.2 million project and steamed into the museum after its comeback journey on February 25.

It is now back at the Leeman Road attraction, which is running a Scotsman Season, and will be on display until May 1.