THE Press’s photographer was very fortunate to obtain a clear shot of the new steam locomotive Tornado at York station during its first outing on Network Rail tracks (Tornado heads for coast, November 5).

A few seconds after the photo was taken, Tornado was overtaken on Platform 5 track, nearest the camera, by a slightly delayed East Coast northbound service.

This totally blocked the view of a large phalanx of photographers who were waiting further along Platform 5.

A mad dash across the footbridge to Platform 4 was in vain, as Tornado did not dwell there for its planned five minutes or more, but was signalled straight out towards Scarborough.

It was pleasing that most photographers obeyed repeated tannoy requests to avoid using flash equipment, which can temporarily blind train drivers.

Those who did not will risk a total ban being imposed on their hobby, which may more readily be enforced if ticket barriers are reintroduced at major stations.

They are already at Leeds, and it may not be long before York follows.

Paul Hepworth, Windmill Rise, Holgate, York.