AN iconic locomotive designed by one of the 19th century’s greatest engineers is to go on display as part of the Great Exhibition of the North.

Robert Stephenson’s Rocket, built in Newcastle in 1829, was once the fastest locomotive in the world.

The engine, which is on loan from the Science Museum, is returning to the North-East for the first time since 1862, and will be on show at Newcastle’s Discovery Museum.

It is coming to the region as part of the Great Exhibition of the North and will be placed next to permanent exhibit Turbinia, the world’s fastest steamship, built at the end of the 19th century.

Joanne Everett, sales and events co-ordinator for Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, the museum’s events partner, said: “In their day, they were the fastest in the world on rail and sea – and we are incredibly conscious of what a privilege it is to have them here together for the first and possibly the last ever time.”

Rocket will be on loan at the museum from June 22 and September 9 and is there thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

People visiting the museum will be able to find out about the historic engine’s ground-breaking design, which heralded the birth of passenger railways.

Rocket was designed by Robert Stephenson in 1829, and built at the Forth Street Works of his company in Newcastle.

It was chosen as the locomotive to be used on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway after winning a trial.

It was the only one of five to complete the trials, averaging 12 miles an hour and achieving a top speed of 30 miles an hour.

The opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, held in 1830, was marred after Liverpool MP William Huskisson was hit by Rocket and later died of his injuries.

The locomotive was substantially rebuilt within 18 months and was laid aside within ten years but remains the most significant of all early railway locomotives.

It was donated to the the Patent Office Museum in London, now the Science Museum, in 1862.

The Great Exhibition of the North is taking place in Newcastle and Gateshead this summer and will include cutting-edge technology, exhibition and performances.