HUNDREDS of railway enthusiasts were left disappointed after a journey by Flying Scotsman was cancelled due to a fault.

The world-famous locomotive was due to travel from York to Norwich today, but was stopped at Peterborough.

A spokesman for York's National Railway Museum, which owns Flying Scotsman, described the decision as a "precautionary measure" to enable engineers to inspect a section of the train that was "running slightly warm".

Flying Scotsman was due to take passengers on a return journey from Ely to Norwich and crowds of spectators were expected to gather to see it in action. Built in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, in 1923, Flying Scotsman soon became the star of the British railway system, pulling the first train to break the 100mph barrier in 1934.

It returned to the tracks last year after a £4.2m, decade-long refit.

The museum spokesman said: "During the scheduled Flying Scotsman-hauled service between York and Peterborough today a driving axle box was found to be running slightly warm and as a precaution, and to prevent possible damage to the engine, the locomotive was stopped at Peterborough to enable a further investigation to take place.

"The planned trip to Norwich via Ely departed on schedule this afternoon and was hauled by a diesel engine.We apologise for any inconvenience to those affected. The next trip is scheduled for October 21. from Norwich and we will provide an update as soon as possible following an inspection of the engine."