When George Stephenson put the last touches to the Rocket, he had no idea what he was about to set in motion. Not only did the 'father of the railways' revolutionise transport and change the face of the world; he also began our endless fascination with steam locomotion.

Faster, more efficient diesel trains took to the tracks decades ago. Yet the streamlined profile of the InterCity 225 has never inspired the same affection as those magnificent steam engines.

The pulling power of steam was demonstrated only last month. Crowds lined the tracks to watch the Flying Scotsman approach York Station. For the younger spectators, it was a chance to see history brought to life in all its heat and fury. The older generation simply basked in a wave of nostalgia.

Now there is a bigger and better chance for steam enthusiasts young and old to indulge their passion. Plans were announced today for the Millennium Cavalcade of Steam. Celebrating the 175th anniversary of the world's first passenger railway, Stephenson's Stockton-Darlington line, it will gather together some of the best known locomotives.

This may be the last chance to recapture the glamour of the steam railway in all its full glory. Experts believe that many of the locomotives will be too old to be in steam for the 200th anniversary in 25 years time. Stringent health and safety regulations are another factor.

So next year's event is likely to attract visitors from around the world. Railway history is a hugely popular hobby: the National Railway Museum in York, one of Britain's top paid-for attractions, is testament to that.

A railway heritage gala is an appropriate way to mark the year 2000. Modern life was transformed by this invention and York benefited more than most. The Millennium Cavalcade is a chance to appreciate this remarkable British achievement.

It is also an opportunity to look forward. The railways used to be this country's pride and joy. Thousands of people are prepared to travel hundreds of miles to see those old locomotives.

Yet today's railway system is in a mess. Even ensuring a trolley catering service on Northern Spirit trains takes an inordinate amount of effort.

The cavalcade should give bosses of our beleaguered rail companies something to think about. At its best, the train is still the best way to travel. It cannot be beyond the wit of man to create a second golden age of the railways.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.