Early trains travelling from the North East to London for the Queen’s funeral have been practically empty, despite it initially being expected that extra transport and other measures would be needed.

Rail companies, including LNER, Northern, Hull Trains, Cross Country and Transpennine Express, have all added extra timetabled trains on Monday (September 19) so people can travel to pay their last respects to the longest-serving British monarch.

Night trains have also been added to the schedule to allow passengers a return journey back home – but from the evidence this morning, this move might not have fully worked.

Read more: Queen Elizabeth II funeral LIVE: Updates as North East says farewell

The Northern Echo reporter Daniel Hordon travelled from Newcastle train station this morning, where he expressed his shock and surprise by the lack of people travelling, with many choosing Sunday (September 18) as their preferred day to travel to the capital it seems.

Getting to Newcastle station at 4am, he was greeted with an empty station building, empty train carriages, and the realisation that more people were returning from a night out than travelling to London for the Queen’s funeral.

He said: “Quiet here so far with 40 minutes until the first train departs for London,” before adding: “I'm shocked at how quiet this train is. More people are heading home from nights out than going to London. Possible mourners who wanted to beat the rush are already in the capital.”

Despite not spotting many people at all during the start of his journey, he did speak to passenger Melanie 57, who said: "Even if we don't see the procession, I just feel like I should be there," she tells me.”

In contrast, the number of passengers on Sunday (September 18) travelling from Durham station was high, with mourners choosing the day before to travel.

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