Trainspotters gear up for the Flying Scotsman - but there's a warning to those keen to see it; The recently renovated locomotive will come to the region on Tuesday, May 10 when it makes a return journey from York to Newcastle.

Byline: Michael Marsh

Fans of the famous Flying Scotsman are being urged to keep off the tracks when the renovated locomotive steams into the North East.

The train returned to the East Coast Main Line after a 10-year, [pounds sterling]4.2m refurbishment by the National Railway Museum in February with an inaugural journey from London King's Cross to York which was greeted by thousands of people lining the route.

However, the day was marred in parts by several dangerous incidents of trespass -- where members of the public were seen walking along the tracks and taking photographs of the locomotive while other trains continued to pass on opposing lines.

Photographs shared online show crowds of people, including young children, stood in the path of oncoming trains with their view obscured by plumes of steam and smoke from the engine.

When is the Flying Scotsman in Newcastle and Durham

All trains on the East Coast Main Line had to be stopped as a result, causing a combined total of over eight hours of delays (516 minutes) to 59 train services, costing the taxpayer almost [pounds sterling]60,000 in compensation which was paid to delayed passengers.

Flying Scotsman tours the UK throughout the summer, starting on Tuesday, May 10 when it makes a return journey from York to Newcastle , and then on Saturday 14 May a one way trip from York to Edinburgh.

Phil Hufton, Network Rail managing director, said: "While the turnout to see Flying Scotsman so far has shown the passion and support for steam engines, and indeed the railway itself, the images of people stood on the railway taking photographs were deeply concerning and a breach of our safe operations.

"I cannot stress enough how dangerous it is to go onto the railway without any formal training and without permission, as well as being illegal."

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Credit: John Giles/PA Wire

The Flying Scotsman steams across the North Yorks Moors during its first weekend on the North Yorks Moors Railway