Flying Scotman in Shropshire: Rail fans scramble to grab the last few tickets

After the first 7,000 tickets sold out in just one day, the last 500 tickets went on sale yesterday.

As of last night only a few were still available for rail enthusiasts to snap up.

Lewis Maddox, Severn Valley Railway's events and footplate experience co-ordinator, said: "The re-allocation of some tickets to ride behind Flying Scotsman has allowed us to reopen bookings.

"We are extremely excited about the event and the countdown to welcoming Flying Scotsman to the Severn Valley Railway has certainly started."

The loco will visit during the Pacific Power event on the railway between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster from September 22 to 26.

As well as the Flying Scotsman, which was recently voted the world's most famous locomotive, the Darlington-made Tornado will also visit.

A VIP day, featuring the Flying Scotsman and organised by the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust, will be held on September 21. Due to the popularity of the event, only those who have tickets to travel will be guaranteed access to the SVR's stations during the event.

However, if space permits, access to all stations except Kidderminster will be available with a donation.

Clare Gibbard, SVR's communications manager, added: "It is such a huge privilege for us to welcome two of the biggest names in the world of heritage railways.

"Due to the unprecedented level of public demand, we will be putting in place access restrictions.

"Buying a ticket in advance is the only guaranteed way to ensure access. We would encourage people who are not travelling with us during the event to check our dedicated event webpage regularly for the latest information, including the best places to park to see the locomotives as they travel along the line."