A TRAIN harking back to a bygone era attracted Worcester residents.

The Northern Belle, Britain's equivalent of the Orient Express, is described as 1930s style rail travel.

The train arrived at Worcester Shrub Hill at 7.25am on Friday morning, for a champagne trip to Chester, Conway Castle and Llandudno.

Paul and Jenny Bodfish, passengers on the train from Worcester said: "We have travelled on the Orient Express and wanted to experience the British equivalent.

"It helps that we are local and Chester is very nice so it will be good to visit there."

Around 10 passengers got on at Worcester, after it had arrived from Gloucester and Cheltenham.

The seven renovated and individually decorated Pullman carriages, each named after a British castle or stately home, are hauled by a vintage diesel locomotive.

A three-course brunch was served on the journey north. Then in the evening passengers came back on board with a champagne reception before a five course dinner.