THE EXPECTED high demand for tickets for the visit of the famous Flying Scotsman has left West Somerset Railway appealing for extra parking spaces.

The iconic locomotive will be hauling passenger trains over West Somerset's heritage line in September 2017.

The WSR plc has come to an agreement with the National Railway Museum for the prestigious engine which will it arrive in West Somerset on Monday, September 4 and run public services until Tuesday, September 12.

Colin Howard, head of commercial services at West Somerset Railway, said: "In view of the large number of visitors likely to be coming to Taunton Deane and West Somerset, we are keen to identify supplementary parking in the area.

"If you own any land which has the potential for safe, dry car parking, the West Somerset Railway would love to hear from you.

"This could include parking at a disused office block or factory."

Details of ticket sales and how to see the Scotsman will be announced in January, with tickets on sale from February 16.

The well-known locomotive was built in 1923 and was the first train to travel non-stop from London to Edinburgh, and in 1934 it was clocked travelling at 100mph on a test run, the first locomotive in the UK to reach that speed.

Since 2006 it has undergone a £4.2million restoration to put it back on the tracks as a working exhibit.

If you might be able to help out with parking, contact Colin Howard at WSR on 01643 700383 or email colin.howard@wsrail.net.