Sir Michael Morpurgo has launched the Flying Scotsman’s centenary celebrations with a reading to children at London’s King’s Cross Station.
The author, who is 79 years old, collaborated with Michael Foreman, his trusted illustrator, to create a book commemorating the occasion.
The Flying Scotsman, and The Best Birthday Ever is a story about Iris, a young girl who longs to be like her father, the driver of the famed train.
The Flying Scotsman on Platform 8 at King’s Cross Station (James Manning/PA)PA Wire/PA Photos – James Manning
This tale will take readers on an adventure. “captivating journey through the golden age of steam travel, paying tribute to the women who kept the railways running during the Second World War”.
A series of events is being held to mark 100 years since the Flying Scotsman was first introduced to service.
It includes VR events and special charters from around the country.
Ian, a volunteer train crew member aboard the Flying Scotsman. (James Manning/PA).PA Wire/PA Photos – James Manning
Sir Michael gave his reading on Platform 8 at London’s King’s Cross next to the locomotive.
Volunteer crew members were seen helping to operate the steam engine.
The Flying Scotsman was also photographed alongside the Azuma train. This is a reflection of the past and current trains of London North Eastern Railway (LNER).
Built in 1923 at Doncaster Works and costing £7,944 at the time, it was the first locomotive to officially reach 100mph and the first to circumnavigate the globe.
Sir Michael is best known for his children’s novels including the 1982 work War Horse, which has been adapted for both film and theatre.