Steam enthusiasts warned to stay off the tracks

Tornado is working scheduled passenger services on the Settle to Carlisle line for three days next week - the first time there have been steam-hauled timetabled trains operating on the British network since the 1960s.

The engine has been laid on as a gesture of thanks to passengers on the line, who have endured disruption since a landslide closed a section of the route last year.

It will run between Skipton and Appleby, hauling regular commuter services from Tuesday to Thursday.

But British Transport Police have warned sightseers to keep away from the tracks to prevent trespass offences.

Officers will patrol the trackside areas to ensure trainspotters watch from a safe vantage point. Fines of up to £1,000 can be issued to those caught trespassing on the line.

Northern Rail, who operate the passenger timetable, have cautioned travellers that they are not guaranteed a seat on the train after advance tickets sold out for two of its journeys.

However, confusion has arisen over the seat reservation procedure.

All services will have a number of reserved carriages for those with special pre-booked tickets, with the remainder available for passengers paying for standard travel.

Yet there has been a large demand from enthusiasts buying regular tickets for the unreserved carriages in advance, meaning most journeys will be oversubscribed. A queue system will operate on a first-come-first-served basis, and some ticket-holders will miss out, as well as regular users of the line.

The 10.45am departure from Skipton and the 2.57pm from Appleby have sold out on all three days, and demand for their unreserved carriages is likely to exceed the number of seats provided.

Tickets are still available in advance for the reserved areas on the 8.25am from Appleby and 5.15pm from Skipton.

Northern's regional director Paul Barnfield said:

“It is great to see so many people supporting this historic venture. We always knew that the first timetabled steam services in the UK for 50 years would be extremely popular, but the demand for tickets has been phenomenal.

“Those who have pre-booked reservations will be guaranteed their place on the relevant service, but for those who have unreserved standard tickets, access to the services will be on a first come, first served basis. We strongly advise those who want to travel to arrive early as there will be a formal queuing process in place.”