Train to be named after Bedford's Captain Tom

Great Western Railway (GWR) is to name a train in honour of the veteran from Marston Moretaine who has raised more than £29million for the NHS as a way of marking his 100th birthday.

GWR Intercity Express Train 800025 is being named in response to requests from both GWR colleagues and members of the public, as it re-enters service on Thursday – the date of Captain Tom’s 100th birthday.

GWR Interim Managing Director Matthew Golton said: “With his indomitable spirit what Captain Tom has achieved is truly inspirational, and an example to us all.

“We at Great Western have a long history of naming trains after Great Westerners, the past and present heroes from across our network, and I am honoured we can respond to requests to have a train named after Captain Tom Moore.”