A NEW three-times daily ‘Staycation Express’ tourist train service is now running on the Settle to Carlisle line.

Billed as Britain’s "first ever dedicated timetabled tourist rail service", it was launched last week and will travel between the Appleby and Skipton on a 112-mile return trip.

Run by Rail Charter Services Ltd, it has just been set up specifically to run the all-first-class air-conditioned train, with tickets starting from £29 for the trip. At the moment, however, only window seats are available because of Covid-19 restrictions, together with other measures.

The service is being backed by city fund manager Jeremy Hosking, who owns a number of preserved locomotives.

Record producer and rail enthusiast Pete Waterman and the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire David Kerfoot launched the luxury service at Skipton railway station.

For information and to buy tickets go online to www.railcharterservices.co.uk