TWO historic steam engines which once hauled express trains up and down Britain are heading through this region every week between now and September.

Scots Guardsman No 46115 is pulling both Dalesman and Pendle Dalesman excursions over the spectacular Settle-Carlisle line.

And Galatea No 45699 is hauling the Scarborough Spa Express through York to the east-coast seaside resort.

Coupled-up behind each of the heritage locomotives are West Coast Railway renovated carriages, dating back to the 1950s, some of which appeared as part of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies.

The Dalesman will call at Skipton and Leeds, and the Pendle Dalesman at Clitheroe and Long Preston, before heading along the iconic Settle-Carlisle line.

Seventy-two miles long, the route was a triumph of Victorian engineering when it opened in the 19th century – cutting through the northern Pennines and Yorkshire Dales, with 22 viaducts and 14 tunnels.

The Scarborough Spa Express will pick-up passengers at Hellifield, Skipton, Keighley, Shipley, Brighouse, Wakefield and Woodlesford in Leeds.

Enthusiasts are also encouraged to look out for the Northern Belle, which will be departing from several Yorkshire stations.

For more and to book, visit westcoastrailways.co.uk and northernbelle.co.uk.