The world’s most famous steam locomotive is to visit Ipswich during a tour of the region on October 21.

Ipswich Star: Crowds at Ipswich railway station in 1967, when 'Flying Scotsman' visitedCrowds at Ipswich railway station in 1967, when 'Flying Scotsman' visited (Image: Archant)

It is bringing a breakfast-time train from Norwich to Ipswich before returning to Norfolk for a trip to London via Ely and Cambridge.

The train is being run by charter operator Steam Dreams on October 21 – and tickets for the trip are almost sold out already.

Following the return to the mainline of the world’s most famous engine, Flying Scotsman, last year, demand for tickets has been extremely high, with all trips this spring completely sold out.

The engine returned to the main line in February 2016 after a decade-long rebuild. It has since attracted huge crowds across the country.

This trip is believed to be its first visit to Ipswich since the late 1960s when it pulled a special train through the town.

On October 21, The Cathedrals Express will be starting out from Norwich at about 8am and steaming down the Great Eastern Main Line to the new Bacon Factory curve where the train takes passengers through Westerfield, before reversing back into Ipswich.

Flying Scotsman then sets off again on a return fast run back to Norwich, retracing the outward route.

In the afternoon, passengers can join a trip to London with the engine, which will depart from Norwich at approximately 2pm. Flying Scotsman will take passengers on a fast run south through Ely and Cambridge before picking up the East Coast route to London.

Passengers will have over an hour to explore, before heading back to Kings Cross Station for the journey home by vintage diesel. Marcus Robertson, Chairman of Steam Dreams, which organised 15 day trips and three holidays by steam with Flying Scotsman said: “This will be our first visit to East Anglia with Flying Scotsman, which promises to be a fantastic experience for those on board.

“With most tickets for trips with Flying Scotsman already sold out, this is a very special opportunity to travel with this famous locomotive.”

Tickets for this trip on board The Cathedrals Express, featuring Flying Scotsman are available in Pullman Style Dining from £215 per person. For further details of trips with Flying Scotsman in 2017, call 01483 209888 or visit www.CathedralsExpress.co.uk.