TRANSPORT Police are warning enthusiasts who turn out to see the iconic steam engine the Flying Scotsman in North Yorkshire this weekend to ensure they stay safe.

After incidents in other parts of the country when people, some with children, trespassed on lines, Network Rail and British Transport Police say safety has to be the first priority. It's due in York on Saturday June 29 after travelling down the Midland Main Line. It will also be back in the region later in the summer including a trip from York to Carlisle on July 7.

Vicki Beadle, Operations Risk Advisor, for Network Rail, said: "We want people to have a fantastic time this weekend, but we can’t stress enough how important it is to keep safe at the same time.

"Trespassing on or near the tracks is incredibly dangerous, as well as being illegal and we work closely with British Transport Police to tackle this. There is never an excuse to trespass on the railway and this type of behaviour can have devastating life-changing and even fatal consequences."

Chief Inspector Gareth Davies, from British Transport Police said: "Our priority is the safety of everyone viewing and travelling on the train, officers will be along the route and at stations to ensure everyone can enjoy the event without putting themselves or others in danger."

Trespass on the line can mean a £1,000 fine, obstructing a train carries a penalty of two years in prison. Flying Scotsman will also be in the county on July 10 and 17, August 24 and September 7.