A HISTORIC rail spectacle will make its way through York this weekend, when four generations of trains head down the mainline side-by-side.

The legendary Flying Scotsman will travel alongside two late twentienth century 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.

York Press:

“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 8am for a special celebration that will last until around 9am,” a company spokesman said.

The four trains will 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 people are advised to head to the station.

Anyone planning to watcht the trains as they travel between Tollerton and York is being urged to stay safe behind boundary fences and keep off both the tracks and private land.

The event is being organised by Network Rail, Virgin Trains, Welcome to Yorkshire, the National Railway Museum and Hitachi.

First York will be running extra early morning bus services to get to the station on Sunday.

The Askham Bar Park and Ride site will be opened early with buses running at 6:50am as well as 7:15am and 7:40am.

Regular bus services will then commence at 9:30am from Askham Bar Park and Ride and 9:50am from York Station. Regular fares apply.