THE Flying Scotsman will be greeted by hundreds of well-wishers when it arrives in the region for the opening of a national museum.

But one young woman is looking forward to its arrival more than anyone, because she will be able to see the engine her grandfather drove for the first time.

Sarah Joyce, a collections assistant at Locomotion: National Railway Museum (NRM), in Shildon, County Durham, has been planning for the legendary steam engine's arrival since it was bought by the NRM to keep it in the country last month.

Her grandfather, Denis Donovan, who is now 84, used to drive it in the 1960s.

Ms Joyce, 24, said: "He did not drive it all the time, but he has fond memories of it. He enjoyed driving it. He said it was like driving a sewing machine.

"I am very proud to have such an important link with such an important part of railway heritage as the Flying Scotsman.

"My grandad has fond memories of working on the railways, and by having the Flying Scotsman here at Locomotion, I feel like I am carrying on the family tradition.''

The national treasure is only one of 60 attractions planned for the opening of the £10m museum on September 27, which is expected to attract about 60,000 visitors a year.

The Sans Pareil, the engine built by rail pioneer Timothy Hackworth, in Shildon, will return home next month, where it will take pride of place in the Sunday School opposite Hackworth's former home.

It is not known how long the Flying Scotsman will stay.

Published: 18/05/2004