THE EAST Lancashire Railway is set to welcome its 30,000th passenger to ride behind the legendary Flying Scotsman locomotive, this week.

On Friday September one lucky train enthusiast will become the milestone 30,000th passenger since the Scotsman first visited the heritage railway following its restoration back in January 2016.

The luck passenger will get an experience money cannot buy, as they are given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to climb on the engine's footplate where they will be able to shovel coal, have the chance to sound the whistle and will receive a commemorative certificate.

This week will see the last time that the world famous locomotive steams into Bury to carry visitors, this year.

By the time it finishes its journey on September 8 the Flying Scotsman will have travelled more than 1,700 miles and carried more than 30,000 passengers on the East Lancashire Railway alone, since 2016.

The Flying Scotsman will be at the East Lancashire Railway from September 5 to 8.

Tickets for the event start at £10 per child and £15 per adult.

For more information or to book visit www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk.