BRITAIN’S newest steam locomotive Tornado will travel along the Settle Carlisle Railway during Valentine’s week.

The loco will haul seven-carriage trains through the Yorkshire Dales during 12 Northern services on February 14, 15 and 16.

The operation is thought to be the first time in 50 years that steam has been used to haul scheduled passenger trains in England.

The project is a celebration of the line’s forthcoming official re-opening on March 31 after being closed for repairs between Armathwaite and Carlisle since February 2016.

The steam trains, which will travel across the Ribblehead viaduct, will form part of the normal timetabled service and tickets will be available from the usual retail channels.

The first train will depart from Appleby at 8.25am, arriving at Skipton at 10.08am, and will depart northbound from Skipton at 10.44am.

In the afternoon, there will be a 2.57pm departure from Appleby which arrives at Skipton at 4.30pm. The final departure of the day from Skipton will leave at 5.15pm, arriving in Appleby at 6.46.

There will be a standard diesel service to Leeds, via Settle and Skipton, at 6.56pm for those returning south at the end of the day.

Demand is expected to be extremely high and customers are strongly advised that only those with a seat reservation will be assured of a seat.

Visit northernrailway.co.uk or any railway booking office to book tickets. The usual ticket prices will apply and railcards such as the Dales Railcard and Senior Railcard will offer the usual discounts.