A LOCOMOTIVE has been renamed Durham Cathedral in honour of the retiring Dean of Durham.

The Virgin Trains engine 91114 has been decorated with images from the Cathedral and was officially renamed at Durham station on Tuesday (September 29) by the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, who retired after 12 years as Dean of Durham on Sunday.

Dean Sadgrove, a keen railways fan, was joined by Durham Cathedral choristers for the ceremony on platform two.

All then travelled on the service to Newcastle, where the locomotive was officially blessed.

The Dean said: “It is truly an honour to have a locomotive named after Durham Cathedral and I am humbled to see my name on the cabin too.

“Throughout my time here as Dean of Durham, I have travelled along this stretch of railway line and, along with so many others, marvelled at the breathtaking view the stretch into Durham affords of the Cathedral.

“For so many, that view of Durham Cathedral is a symbol of coming home, a feeling that we have been privileged to share for the last 12 years, and it will remain a special view to us forever.”

David Horne, managing director of Virgin Trains, said: “We’re very honoured the Very Rev Michael Sadgrove is launching and blessing our newly designed Durham Cathedral locomotive as his final official engagement as the Dean of Durham.

“We’ve worked closely with the Durham Cathedral community to create this design and I’m confident our customers like it when it’s out and about on our route promoting this amazing city with spectacular views to the rest of the UK.”