"We are fully supportive of the Tornado project, and have noted the depth of local feeling in Darlington today. In light of that, we accept this was the wrong decision and we have acted quickly to fix it. We will welcome all visitors to the station on Saturday."

Mark Allatt, chairman of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, added:

"We are absolutely delighted that the general public will be able to view Tornado as she departs from her Darlington birthplace on Saturday. We are all very grateful to National Express East Coast for making this a very special day for Darlington and Tornado's supporters."

Tornado will be in Darlington main line station between 06:00-06:30hrs and 07:35-07:45hrs