One of the world’s most luxurious trains will travel through Milton Keynes twice this week

The steam-hauled Northern Belle is scheduled to travel south through Milton Keynes at about 2.45pm on Wednesday (December 16) and return about 11.20am on Friday (December 18).

The Northern Belle, once part of the iconic Orient Express group, will be heading to London from its base in Carnforth, Lancashire, on Wednesday.

Then it will take 200 passengers out for a slap-up £289-a-head champagne Christmas Lunch trip from Victoria station to Salisbury on Thursday (December 17).

A 75-year-old Black Five locomotive numbered 45407 and called The Lancashire Fusilier is expected to pull the distinctive umber and cream, 1930s-style Pullman carriages.

Trainspotters and railway enthusiasts are being urged to respect social distancing and stay safe if they turn out to see it.