ONE of the world's most luxurious trains will be travelling through north Shropshire later this month.

The Northern Belle will visit the region as part of a trip from Telford through to York and Harrogate on Saturday, September 18.

But those hoping to catch a glimpse will have to be up early as she is due to reach Wem at 8.21am, Prees at 8.24am and Wrenbury at 8.34am (times to be confirmed closer to the date).

After a day in Yorkshire, guests will then return through Shropshire, visiting the local towns and village at around 10pm.

But for one lucky passenger it will be a right Royal day out as one of the 1930s-style umber-and-cream painted Pullman carriages used to make up part of the Royal Train.

And it contains what was reputedly the late Queen Mother’s favourite seat before she died aged 101 in 2002.

Northern Belle staff normally don’t advertise where Her Majesty liked to sit.

A spokesman admitted: “We don’t make a big thing about the royal chair. Sometimes though one of our onboard staff will whisper the secret in the lucky passenger’s ear

“Then if they want they can sip a gin and tonic like the Queen Mum and wave regally out of the window!

“But, in reality, all our carriages and seats are equally luxurious so we like to think everybody travelling on the Northern Belle ends up feeling like royalty.”

Passengers will be handed a glass of champagne as they board the train over a red carpet at Telford station at 7.30am on the day, before it calls at Shrewsbury at 8pm.

Then they will have the choice of spending the afternoon exploring the fascinating city of York, with its Viking and Roman history and wonderful railway museum, or having a blooming lovely day out at Newby Hall, an 18th century stately home, for Harrogate’s Autumn Flower Show.

Afterwards there will be another champagne reception back on board the Northern Belle before a slap-up five-course dinner with wine is served during the journey home.

The train even has its own resident musicians and to make the day more magical a conjuror wanders from table to table doing amazing tricks.

The train is scheduled to arrive back in Shrewsbury at 10pm and 10.30 at Telford. Fares start at £315.

The Northern Belle will return to the area in November for a trip to Winchester and the Hampshire city’s famous Christmas market.

For more details phone 01270 899681 or see www.northernbelle.co.uk