A DRAMATIC coast-to-coast trip will launch the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo's new summer season of steam trains.

It is hoped that a famous, newly-restored steam locomotive will be unveiled to power the Liverpool - Scarborough return trip, on July 4.

The Coast-to-Coast Express will be the first ever steam-hauled day-trip from Liverpool to Scarborough, the premier North Sea resort.

Stops are planned at Rainhill station, scene of the famous 1829 loco trials, St Helens Junction and Manchester Victoria.

Passengers can alight at historic York for a long afternoon visit as an alternative to Scarborough.

Reserve motive power is Edge Hill shed's most celebrated ex-resident, Princess Royal class No 6201 Princess Elizabeth, built at Crewe in 1933.

This record-breaking locomotive was a stalwart in last year's sell-out Daily Post & Echo Live Steam from Lime Street programme, run in partnership with National Museums Liverpool.

Last August's day-trips ran from Liverpool to North Wales and Carlisle with two Christmas trips to York carrying a total of 2,400 passengers.

This summer “Lizzie” will be joined again by streamlined A4 class pacific, No 60009 Union of South Africa.

Built in 1937 at Doncaster, Union of South Africa, nicknamed “No 9”, is sister engine of world steam speed record-holder, Mallard.

Also rostered for the five Holyhead and two Carlisle trips is another former Edge Hill shed top-link steam locomotive, Princess Coronation class No 6233 Duchess of Sutherland.