THE new Dean of Durham enjoyed his journey to his new diocese - the train buff was a special guest of Great North Eastern Railway.

The Very Rev Michael Sadgrove said it was 'a real thrill' to be allowed to travel in the cab of the train from Doncaster which brought him to Durham on Tuesday to prepare for his installation. On alighting at Platform Two he was presented with an engraving of a GNER express, bearing the name plate Durham Cathedral.

He said: "Arriving in Durham is always special. When you come out of the cutting and you see the cathedral from the railway, it must be one of the best views in the world. I'm incredibly grateful to GNER to allow me to travel from my old patch to my new one like this."

Dean Sadgrove, the former Dean of Sheffield, was being installed as the 38th Dean of Durham in a cathedral service this Thursday, St Cuthbert's Day, from 7pm.