ONE of the most iconic exhibits at the National Railway Museum has returned to York.

Mallard, which has been on loan to the museum’s sister museum in Shildon, was brought back to the York museum by a famous movie star.

Olton Hall, known to Harry Potter fans as the Hogwarts Express, will be displayed in York over the next few months, alongside Mallard.

Visitors to the museum will have full access to all of Mallard’s cab areas when it is displayed on the museum’s turntable from Friday, until August 1.

After that date it will be moved to the Great Hall.

The fully-operational Olton Hall will also be displayed in the museum’s North Yard.

The return of Mallard marks the start of the museum’s summer season, which includes informative talks on iconic locomotives, action-packed science shows and classic summer steam rides.

Helen Ashby, head of knowledge and collections at the museum, said: “Mallard’s return to York has been a hugely anticipated event.

“To add to this excitement, the locomotive has been returned to us by the Hollywood star, Olton Hall. From talks on this iconic locomotive and free cab access, to activities for the kids, we’ve got something for the whole family to join us in welcoming home Mallard this summer.”

Another famous locomotive whose return to York has been long awaited is the Flying Scotsman, which will be coming back to the National Railway Museum in the autumn.