A Virgin train has been given a new name, to recognise the people of Cumbria following the storms in December.

One of the company's Pendolino trains that runs on the West Coast Mainline now carries the name ‘The Cumbrian Spirit’.

Virgin says the name is "to acknowledge the courage and resolve shown by local people as they rebuild their lives and businesses after the floods".

The newly named train was unveiled today at Carlisle station by Andrew Hunter of Grasmere Gingerbread - which was one of the local businesses affected.

Anna Doran, General Manager at Virgin Trains, said: “We care about Cumbria and its people, so it has been heartbreaking to see the devastation the floods have caused across the region. But the people of Cumbria have not been beaten.

"They have shown tremendous courage and determination to continue business as usual and rebuild their communities - something described locally as the ‘Spirit of Cumbria’.

"At Virgin Trains, we share their spirit and wanted to recognise everything they have been through. 'The Cumbrian Spirit' is a small gesture to acknowledge the local communities that we’re proud to play a part in. We’re keen to continue helping those who have been affected and is about celebrating Cumbria and showing that Cumbria is very much open for business.”

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive, Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We think it’s great that there will be a train travelling along the West Coast Mainline carrying this positive message about the people of Cumbria.”