THE Queen’s cousin visited Worcester to unveil a train named after the city’s university.

First Great Western has named one of its high-speed trains The University of Worcester to celebrate its fifth anniversary.

Yesterday civic dignitaries, students, ambassadors and trainspotters gathered on platform three of Shrub Hill Station to see the Duke of Gloucester, the university’s chancellor, unveil the name.

The Duke – who officially opened the university itself back in 2006 – spoke about the trains which were named after his parents and said: “It’s a great pleasure to officially name this train.

“I hope the name is comfort to all the passengers who travel aboard her and that it brings great pride to all the students who attend the university.”

After the unveiling, the Duke headed to the main university campus in St John’s to deliver the annual fellows’ lecture, this year titled A Theory on 18th Century Baroque Architecture.

The former University College Worcester, which gained full university status in 2005, is Britain’s fastest-growing university.

Vice-chancellor Professor David Green said this milestone is proof that Worcester is fast becoming a “first rank” city.

He said: “The university is delighted. This is a further contribution to fulfilling Worcester’s aim to be recognised as one of Britain’s first rank cathedral and university cities. That our chancellor has generously agreed to perform the opening ceremony is the icing on the cake."

The University of Worcester will be used on routes throughout First Great Western's network.