Watch out for historic locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley this December as the 1930s-built LNER Pacific stops at Stevenage to collect passengers on its way up north for the day.

On Saturday, December 18, 60007 Sir Nigel will be hauling The Christmas Tynesider special train from London King’s Cross to York, Durham and Newcastle visiting Stevenage on route.

The magnificent ‘giant of steam’ is a member of the same A4 class, which produced the famous Mallard, the locomotive which broke the world speed record for steam traction in 1938 travelling at a staggering 126 mph, a record which it still holds today.

Heritage rail tour operator The Railway Touring Company is offering the winner of our Christmas Steam Competition a pair of premier dining tickets worth �378 for The Christmas Tynesider.

Our competition winner and their guest will be able to join the train at Stevenage then sit back and enjoy a full English breakfast and light lunch at their seats in the train’s restored vintage carriages, followed by a silver served four course dinner on the return journey.

The Christmas Tynesider will travel the East Coast Main Line route north, for which the LNER A4 Pacifics like Sir Nigel Gresley were built. Stopping at ancient York, the hill top cathedral city of Durham and vibrant Newcastle, passengers will have a choice of festive destinations with time to shop or visit one of these fine cities’ attractions.

Father Christmas, accompanied by his elves, will be visiting the train during the day with presents for all the children.

Tickets for The Christmas Tynesider to York, Durham and Newcastle, include standard �79 (family �215), first class �129 (family �350) and premier dining �189 (family �550).

Call The Railway Touring Company on 01553 661500 or visit www.railwaytouring.co.uk.