A HISTORIC stream locomotive from the region will pull the Prince of Wales as he arrives at the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station by royal train.

The Tornado, the first main line steam locomotive to be built in Britain for nearly 50 years, will pull the royal party.

The Prince of Wales along with the Duchess of Cornwall is to arrive at the Museum of Science and Industry, in Manchester.

The North West visit is part of a series of engagements in the Manchester area that the royal couple are fulfilling on February 4.

The Tornado, a Peppercorn A1 Pacific steam engine which cost £3m to build in Darlington, is to make a special trip to the museum for the royal visit.

Mark Allatt, chairman of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, said: "The Trust and its supporters are deeply honoured that the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have chosen to travel on the Royal Train to the museum hauled by Tornado.

"There couldn’t be a more appropriate occasion for this honour as the Prince visits the amazing collection assembled by MOSI.

"This honour is recognition of the shared vision and determination of all of those who worked so hard to bring Tornado into being and are now doing the same to keep her operating on the main line."

Steve Davies, MOSI director, said: "It will be an historic moment when the royal train is pulled into the museum by the spectacular Tornado.

"As well as walking through this historic site for railways, the Prince will also see some of the oldest forms of energy production."