The glee was palpable as The Northern Belle, one of Britain's most luxurious historic trains, departed from the North East this morning. 

The Northern Belle, which includes a carriage from the late Queen Elizabeth II's royal train, journeyed to Scotland from Darlington on May 9.

Also stopping in Durham and Newcastle, the 1930s Pullman carriages were hauled by a vintage diesel locomotive to Dundee.

John and Deidre O'Connor, from Chester-le-Street, chatted to The Northern Echo before they boarded at Durham station, saying: "It's going to be a brilliant day out, journeying up to Dundee.

"We wanted to come after it was recommended by our friends, and it's not often you get the chance for something like this!

"We've got a beautiful day for it - hopefully, the sun will stick with us up into Scotland, and with three courses and champagne too - what more could we ask for!"

Passengers boarded over a red carpet laid across Darlington station platform at 6.40 am before it called at Durham at 7.20 and Newcastle at 7.50.

Once aboard, a hearty three-course breakfast was served to passengers on the leisurely journey north, taking in the sights of the East Coast mainline.

On the journey home, there was another champagne reception aboard the train before a lavish six-course dinner with wine and port is served during the journey home.

The Northern Belle will be back in Darlington, Durham and Newcastle on Friday, May 10 for a slap-up lunch and afternoon tea trip, before a steam-hauled journey over the spectacular Settle-Carlisle line on Saturday, May 25.