Luxury Train to visit Telford

One of the world’s most luxurious trains will take passengers from Telford on a champagne festive lunch trip next week – in SECRET.

Because of Covid-19, the route and timings of the Northern Belle are under wraps to avoid hordes of photographers and trainspotters turning out.

A spokesman explained: “We are having to take special precautions to maintain social distancing.

“People love to see the train’s 1930s-style Pullman carriages and normally we’d be delighted for crowds to turn out on station platforms.

“But unfortunately that’s the last thing we want at the moment with the coronavirus, so we are not advertising the route.”

The Northern Belle, once part of the iconic Orient Express, is now owned by Yorkshire businessman David Pitts.

It will depart from Chester on Wednesday December 9 before picking up more people at Shrewsbury and Telford.

Liveried stewards will welcome passengers on board over a red carpet and hand them a glass of champagne.

Then they will be served a slap-up seven-course lunch during a five-hour “mystery tour” through the wintry countryside.

The spokesman said: “It should be a Christmas cracker of a day out – just what we need to cheer us up at the moment.

“We have reduced the number of seats on the train, installed plastic screens and taken other safety measures because of Covid.

“There will be a couple of wandering minstrels on board to entertain passengers and even a conjuror to add a special touch of magic.”

The fare is £289. For more details or to book, phone 01270 899681 or see www.northernbelle.co.uk.