THE world's most famous steam engine will be in the region this summer.

No 60103 Flying Scotsman will travel to Locomotion, in Shildon, for the railway museum’s Steam Season.

The Flying Scotsman will be on display from July 11 to August 1.

The Steam Season, which runs from May to September, explores the power of steam and its influence on the railways and includes free activities for school groups and families.

During The Flying Scotsman's three week stay, visitors can not only see the iconic locomotive but also access the footplate and corridor tender or even ride behind behind it in steam, for which there will be a charge.

Built in Doncaster and designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, it was part of the A1 class of powerful locomotives used by the London and North Eastern Railway.

By 1924, when it was selected to appear at the British Empire Exhibition in London, it was renumbered 4472 and named Flying Scotsman, after the daily London to Edinburgh rail service. In 1928, it was given a new type of tender with a corridor, allowing it to haul the first ever non-stop London to Edinburgh service and reduce the journey time to eight hours and, in 1934, Flying Scotsman was the first locomotive in the UK to travel at 100mph.

In 2004, the National Railway Museum purchased the engine for the national collection.

Locomotion is open 10am to 5pm daily, and parking and admission are free. Details of Flying Scotsman activities and ticketed events will be go online at locomotion.org.uk on Monday, June 4.