THE world’s most famous steam locomotive is set to thunder through Winsford.

But trainspotters and photographers have been warned not to risk their lives trying to get pictures of Flying Scotsman pulling the Northern Belle’s Pullman carriages from Carnforth to Crewe on Saturday, July 20.

Jeanette Snape, managing director Northern Belle urged spectators not to trespass on the tracks or stand too close to the edge of station platforms.

She said: “We know this will be a big attraction – the world’s most famous engine hauling the ornately-decorated Pullman coaches of one of the world’s most luxurious trains.

“But while we want as many people as possible to see it and get photographs, we also want everybody to stay safe.

“It is extremely dangerous, as well as illegal, to trespass near the railway tracks. At best, people could end up in court being fined £1,000 – at worst they could end up in the mortuary. So please take care and act sensibly.”

Earlier this year nearly 60 regular services between Birmingham and Derby were delayed for a total of 1,000 minutes because of people trespassing on the track when Flying Scotsman visited the Midlands.

It led Network Rail to warn that the engine could be banned from the main line if a 'few thoughtless lawbreakers' continue risking their lives.

One engine driver said it was 'only a matter of time' before somebody got killed if people continued risking their safety to get that 'once-in-a-lifetime' photograph.

He added: “I’m not calling for the engine to be banned from the mainline and confined to preserved heritage lines and museums, but for people to be sensible and stay on the correct side of the railway boundary fence and to keep behind the yellow line on the platform.”

Chief Inspector Gareth Davies, of British Transport Police, said: “Seeing Flying Scotsman is an exciting event for many people and we want everybody to have a great day out.

“But our priority is the safety of everybody viewing and travelling on the train. Please remember to use safe vantage points to view and take pictures of the train, stay clear of the line and do not risk serious injury or death by trespassing on the tracks.

“The railway is an extremely hazardous environment and those caught trespassing or obstructing trains can expect to be prosecuted.”

All 300 seats, costing £300 each, were snapped up within weeks of the trip being announced.

The train will be diesel-hauled from Crewe to Carnforth before the Flying Scotsman takes over.

Passengers will be greeted with a champagne reception when they board before sitting down to plush lunch prepared by on-board chef Matthew Green.

During a half hour stop at Carnforth station, where the classic 1940s movie Brief Encounter was filmed, they will be able to dance on the platform to the train’s resident band before puckering up under the iconic clock where stars Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson shared an illicit kiss.

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If you want to see the steam-hauled Northern Belle, it will depart Carnforth at 1.35pm and is scheduled to pass through Lancaster at 2.15pm, Preston 2.43pm, Wigan 3.02pm, Warrington 3.15pm, and Winsford at 3.55pm before arriving at Crewe at 4.05pm.

For further details about Northern Belle visit nothernbelle.co.uk or call 01270 899681.