A BLAST from the past will return to Cleethorpes next year when a steam hauled passenger train will travel from the resort to London.

It will be the first time the giant locomotive – 70013 Oliver Cromwell – has steamed into the resort for 40 years, and a warm welcome is expected.

Organisers – the Railway Touring Company, of King's Lynn, Norfolk – said they expected crowds of people to flock to the resort to catch a glimpse of the engine.

The trip – which has been named the Great Northern Train – will take place on Saturday, February 28.

It is expected to depart from Cleethorpes Railway Station at 7.15am, calling to pick up passengers at Grimsby, Barnetby, Scunthorpe, Crowle and Doncaster.

The train is expected to pull into London's Kings Cross Station at 1.20pm.

Passengers will then have a few hours to explore the capital, before returning to the station for the return journey at 5.45pm.

However, the 70013 Oliver Cromwell will be leaving its carriages behind at Peterborough, in Cambridgeshire, where it is due to arrive at 7.40pm.

A diesel engine will then take over for the remainder of the journey.

Places on the special journey – which will also see passengers dining in style – are being snapped up by train enthusiasts and those who fancy a trip down memory lane alike.

Passengers are paying as much as £179 for a return ticket from Cleethorpes to London, although the organisers point out that the price includes full dining facilities.

To get a ticket, telephone (01553) 661500 or visit www.railwaytouring.co.uk