NORTH-EAST RAIL passengers received a free box of chocolates yesterday to mark GNER's eighth anniversary.
About 25,000 people travelling on the East Coast Mainline were presented with the commemorative box to thank them for their loyalty and support.
Passengers on eight randomly selected services were also given the chance to receive eight pairs of free first-class GNER tickets.
The company's chief executive, Christopher Garnett, said: "The past eight years have been uplifting and at times very challenging, but throughout, our commitment to our passengers has remained paramount."
The anniversary was marked by footballer Alan Shearer, who waved away one of the GNER Newcastle-London expresses.
GNER is spending £100m on longer and more reliable trains, larger car parks, more modern stations and better information for passengers.
The company is also Britain's only train operator to offer wireless Internet access.
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