GOLDEN couple Gladys and Bernard Hewitt celebrated a golden moment yesterday - reunited with the legend that launched them on 50 years of wedded bliss.

Both born in 1934, the couple were married at the Salvation Army Citadel in Gillygate, York, on March 26, 1955.

To reach their honeymoon destination in Brighton, they had booked tickets on that day's 5pm London express which, to their delight, turned out to be pulled by the Flying Scotsman.

Now, thanks to their daughter Lynne, they have been re-united with the loco, which will soon be whisking them away again.

Lynne approached the National Railway Museum in York, now the engine's home, and staff were only too happy to invite the couple for a VIP tour and give them two first-class tickets for one of its future excursions.

Mr Hewitt, recalled how he and his wife, who both still live in York, had no idea their honeymoon trip would be hauled by the loco.

"Taking a train to London was still quite a novelty in those days, of course, and it was just thrilling to see Flying Scotsman pull up to the platform," he said.

"We eagerly boarded the train, which took four hours to arrive in London. To have such a renowned engine take us steaming through the countryside towards 'the big city' was an experience I'll never forget."

Mrs Hewitt said: "It was quite a romantic age to travel.

"So it's lovely to be able to relive such fond memories and celebrate in style by riding behind the Flying Scotsman again."

The pair will also be celebrating their anniversary at the Lady Anne Middleton Hotel, in York, with family and friends.