Metro passengers have been treated to a glimpse of the world famous Flying Scotsman.
The famous engine, which has recently been renovated to pull passenger trains, made an appearance on a line running parallel to the Metro in North Tyneside .
It ran for 3km between Benton and Northumberland Park on Saturday June 11 on the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne line.
The visit was kept under wraps to avoid a repetition of previous incidents when train spotters on the national network have trespassed on the lines to get a better view.
Director of Rail and Infrastructure for Nexus, Raymond Johnstone, said “It was fantastic to see the Flying Scotsman back in the region and a real treat for Metro passengers to see it next to our lines.
“It was on an excursion from Cleethorpes via Newcastle to Morpeth and back again.
“As part of the journey it was on the normally freight-only Ashington, Blyth and Tyne line. Enthusiasts who happened to be at either station at the time had an excellent view.
“About 60-70 spectators came down to the stations to see the Flying Scotsman go through.
“The arrival had not been publicised in advance in common with Network Rail policy.
“But we had staff at both stations just to be sure.
“Network Rail are quite nervous about trespassers getting on the tracks and we were concerned there might be hundreds of people there but it was not as many as some thought.
“Metro drivers were briefed not to enter Northumberland Park if they saw the Flying Scotsman because it would have blocked the view.”