A TRAIN which served the Royal Family for almost 40 years will go on display at the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York.

The class 47 locomotive, number 47798, called Prince William was officially handed over to the museum today.

Andrew Scott, head of the NRM, received the train from Stuart Boner, engineering director of English and Welsh Scottish Railways.

Mr Boner said: "Prince William has served the railways and the Royal family well for almost 40 years and can now enjoy a well-earned retirement."

Mr Scott said: "We are delighted to be receiving Prince William into the national collection.

"Visitors will now be able to view it alongside its fellow icons and gain insight into its individual significance."

Updated: 10:37 Friday, June 04, 2004