THE world’s most iconic steam locomotive, the Flying Scotsman, will be running on the West Somerset Railway track next September.

The heritage line was chosen as one of only three to host the historic engine in 2017, it was announced this week.

Thousands of steam enthusiasts are expected to flock to the district when the legendary loco arrives on Monday September 4 for a week’s stay on the WSR – the country’s longest heritage line.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and the Bluebell Railway will be Flying Scotsman’s other 2017 hosts.

The three were chosen after weeks of negotiation with the National Railway Museum, in York, and Riley & Son (E) Ltd, the company responsible for the engine’s recent £4.2 million restoration.

Paul Kirkman, National Railway Museum director, said: “It was a tough decision with a consistently high quality of bids submitted from a wide range of heritage railway companies.

“After a successful tour in 2016, we weren’t surprised with how many bids we received to host Scotsman.

“We hope the public who will journey to view or travel behind the locomotive will join us in welcoming Flying Scotsman to these historic railways.”

Colin Green, director at Riley & Son, said the selection panel was inundated with bids to host Flying Scotsman but was impressed by the chosen three.

Built in Doncaster in 1923, the Flying Scotsman was the first UK locomotive officially to reach 100mph