Torch plan hits the buffers

PLANS for the iconic Flying Scotsman locomotive to deliver the Olympic Flame have been shelved after it was announced the engine needed essential repair work.

The Flying Scotsman was expected to carry the Olympic Flame from York to Thirsk on 20 June, in the run up to the London Games.

However, the National Railway Museum announced yesterday that “further essential remedial work” would require the manufacture of new parts and the engine would be unable to take part in the torch relay.