ARMY personnel and veterans gathered at railway stations across the region today (Thurs, Nov 17) to salute a train dedicated to those who served their country in the Armed Forces.

The 06.00 Virgin Trains service from Berwick to London King’s Cross, was saluted at Newcastle, Durham, Darlington, York and Retford stations.

The train, which hosted dozens of veterans and a military band on-board, was headed by Virgin Trains’ Battle of Britain Memorial Flight locomotive 91110, one of two of its locomotives dedicated to the Armed Forces.

The Fusiliers’ corps of drums played the Blaydon Races to welcome the veterans into London King’s Cross station shortly after 10am, where they were joined by the commanding officer of the First Fusiliers, Lieutenant Colonel Jez Lamb MC, for a short ceremony.

Lt Col Lamb said: “We Fusiliers are incredibly proud of our rich heritage. This year, in particular, we remember the incredible deeds of the Fusiliers who served with such distinction 100 years ago.

“I am therefore very grateful to all the staff at Virgin Trains for this amazing gesture of support.

"The 'Remember the Fallen, Remembrance Journey' allowed us all to honour our forefathers' sacrifice in a very special and unique way. It was especially poignant this week as tomorrow will mark 100 years since the end of the Battle of the Somme.”

David Horne, Virgin Trains’ managing director for the east coast route, said: “Our 936-mile route serves a number of the UK’s Army regiments and the British Army's largest training establishment, Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire.

“Many of our 3,100 staff, or their friends and family, have also served in the British Armed Forces, or continue to serve as reservists. We’re incredibly proud of them, and all of those men and women who have served their country.”

Virgin Trains’ Andrew Kelman, from Newcastle, volunteered to drive the train as he had served in the Fusiliers from 1996 to 2002.