Travellers were “astounded” as the legendary steam train Sir Nigel Gresley passed through Watford Junction.

The 1937 locomotive travelled through the town on Friday, March 1, on its way to London ahead of its journey from Kings Cross to York the next morning.

Chris George, 82, said the train was an "incredible sight" for the normal travellers on the platform.

Watford Observer: Trainspotter Chris George said it was an incredible sight.Trainspotter Chris George said it was an incredible sight. (Image: Chris George)

“I think they were absolutely astounded to see this beautiful engine in this lovely shade of blue come through with a full-length of coaches on it,” he said.

The Bushey resident, who has been a trainspotter since he was 10, added: “I almost shed a tear, it was a really wonderful thing to see. I will always remember this.”

Sir Nigel Gresley is an LNER Class A4 4-6-2 ("Pacific") steam locomotive built to a design of the railway engineer namesake in 1937 at Doncaster Works.

It holds the post-war speed record for steam locomotives on British Railways, and was recently restored to its 1950s-style blue livery.

Sir Nigel Gresley designed some of Britain's most famous locomotives, including the Flying Scotsman and Mallard.