TENS of thousands of rail passengers began making the most of a cheap fairs offer aimed at getting the nation back on the rails today.

GNER has been selling off tickets to travel anywhere on its routes for £5, or £10 return, following major disruption in recent months.

More than 100,000 of the tickets have already been snapped up and passengers can travel between April 23 and May 3.

These tickets must be booked seven days in advance.

Some 100 extra staff were recruited at GNER's Newcastle office to help with the workload, taking calls, making reservations and mailing out tickets.

Tickets are subject to availability and can be pre-booked at stations or by telephoning 0845 7464637.

The call centres are open from 8am to 10pm every day.

GNER's campaign has featured George Stephenson, the inventor of the Rocket steam locomotive, who features on the reverse of the £5 note.