FOUR trains from four different eras will make history next month on the East Coast mainline north of York.

Legendary Flying Scotsman will travel alongside two trains from Virgin Trains’ revitalised fleet - an HST Class 43 and an InterCity225 Class 91) - and the rail operator’s brand new train, the Virgin Azuma Class 800 which is being built by Hitachi in the north east and will come into service next year.

Virgin East Coast says the ‘once in a lifetime event’ will begin at 6am on Sunday April 23 near Tollerton.

“With the eyes of the world watching, four trains spanning four generations will travel side by side, in the same direction, to celebrate the past, present and future of one of the country’s most iconic pieces of railway, the East Coast Main Line, before arriving into York at around 8 am for a special celebration that will last until around 9am,” he said.

“The four trains will together move south, towards York station, in a staggered formation at around 20-25mph

“The best view of the action will be from York station – where a giant screen will broadcast footage of the trains live, and members of the public are advised to head to the station.”

He said anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of the trains as they travel between Tollerton and the station was being urged to stay safe behind boundary fences and keep off both the tracks and private land.

“Trespassers will cause the trains to stop and put at risk the completion of both this event and any future plans to showcase the route and its iconic locos.”

Partners organising the event are Network Rail, Virgin Trains, Welcome to Yorkshire, the National Railway Museum and Hitachi.