The long-awaited visit of the Flying Scotsman to Ipswich on Saturday has been thrown into doubt after a fault developed on the legend’s journey to the region on Wednesday.

It was due to pull a special train from Ely to Norwich and back on Wednesday evening, but a vintage diesel had to be called in after an axle problem was identified at Peterborough.

A full inspection is due to take place on Thursday – after which it will be decided whether it will be able to pull the special train between Norwich and Ipswich on Saturday.

Trip organisers Steam Dreams are organising an alternative steam locomotive if Flying Scotsman is unable to make the trip.

A spokeswoman for Steam Dreams said they were very sorry to disappoint passengers: “This is a very unusual occurrence in the middle of a journey and only the second time the Flying Scotsman has had any problems since its return in January 2016.”