The London North Eastern Railway has named one of its Azuma trains after a V.I.P. (Very Important Puppet) star, Eleanor, who is the company's new mascot.
The quirky and brightly liveried Eleanor has been applied to unit No. 801225, and will be seen at the many destinations served by the company along the East Coast between London King's Cross and Scotland.
Eleanor is the fourth Azuma train to be named, alongside Century, Together, and You Belong, which were all named last year.
The company's mascot Eleanor was first introduced to her namesake train Eleanor at York Railway Station, where she received a warm welcome from Customer Experience Leader Dee Poroga, Elliot Jarvis, who worked on the design of the livery, and Customer Experience Host Will Singh.
Will Singh co-stars in London North Eastern Railway's latest advert which features Eleanor enjoying a journey on an Azuma train, where she experiences and highlights some of the many things to see and do whilst travelling across the route to Edinburgh.
These include reading on a trip to Edinburgh, gaming on the way to York, working during a journey to a meeting in London, drinking a coffee whilst departing from Doncaster, or just enjoying some of the many spectacular views to be seen while travelling by train.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “”Our latest newly liveried train is a bit different to the others – featuring ‘Eleanor' the new star of our latest advertising campaign. We're delighted that Eleanor herself was with us for the special occasion to help us show our customers how they have the freedom to choose how to use their time when they travel with us.
“Our other special livery trains capture many people's attention as they travel our route and I'm sure ‘Eleanor's' striking and fun design will be another popular sight for children and adults alike!”
Dee Poroga, Customer Experience Leader, said: “I couldn't believe my eyes when I was met by Eleanor in York, and to be one of the first to see her train. After 29 years working with LNER, the job is still full of surprises. I'm looking forward to working, and travelling, on ‘Eleanor' very soon.”
Will Singh, Customer Experience Host, said: “It was a lot of fun to get to reunite with my co-star Eleanor at York Railway Station for the unveiling of our new train. It seemed like she was lost for words at the sight of herself on a train.”
