AS 75TH birthday presents go, a trip on the Flying Scotsman is not a bad one to look forward to.

And after working on the railways for almost 50 years, Petersfield resident David Weeks can’t wait to see the legendary locomotive.

He will experience the trip on his actual birthday too – on May 21 he will be able to enjoy a cream tea as the Flying Scotsman steams its way around the Hampshire countryside, taking in Romsey, Southampton and Eastleigh before returning to Salisbury.

Trips on the newly restored locomotive are a much sought-after experience, with a waiting list of more than 1,000 people trying to secure a place on next month’s special rail journey.

Mr Weeks said:?“I?saw the trip advertised and it was a happy coincidence that it was taking place on my exact birthday.

“It will be a prestigious trip to ride on a train pulled by such a famous engine, after working with steam during my time on the railways, this will be something special to celebrate my birthday with.”

The Flying Scotsman became the first locomotive on the London and North Eastern Railway in 1923 and the first to officially travel at 100mph in 1934.