A TRAIN has named after one of Worcester's most famous sons to mark a new fleet roll out.

The train was named after Sir Edward Elgar at a ceremony held at Worcester Shrub Hill railway station on Friday morning (March 24).

The train is one of 26 in West Midlands Railway's new Class 196 fleet which is being introduced as part of the operator’s £690m investment in new trains and infrastructure.

The new fleet is being rolled out onto West Midlands Railway's Hereford Line.

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Ian McConnell, West Midlands Railway managing director, said: “I am delighted our passengers in Hereford and Worcester will soon be travelling on these brand-new trains.

"This fleet brings a much-improved passenger experience, including smart air conditioning which adapts to the carriage environment and power points at every seat.

“Communities are at the heart of our business and the fact that our colleagues have chosen to name one of the trains which will serve this new route after an iconic local figure is testament to that.”

The first trains in the fleet entered service between Birmingham and Shrewsbury in October.

Following a period of route testing and driver training, the trains are due to begin carrying passengers between Hereford, Worcester, Bromsgrove and Birmingham for the first time next month.

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Tom Painter, executive director of West Midlands Rail Executive, said: “As a local resident and regular user of the line between Worcester, Hereford, and Birmingham, I am delighted to see the introduction of these brand-new trains.

“With all their modern features, they will offer customers a journey experience worthy of this beautiful and historic part of central England and the Welsh Marches.”

Sir Edward Elgar is one of Britain’s best-known composers, whose works include the Pomp and Circumstance Marches and Enigma Variations.

He was born in the village of Lower Broadheath, near Worcester, in 1857, and spent much of his life living in Worcestershire.

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Later this year the Class 196 fleet is due to enter service on WMR’s Leamington to Nuneaton route, serving communities including Coventry, Kenilworth, and Bedworth.

For more information on the fleet, visit www.wmr.uk/newtrains.