Football fans and train enthusiasts gathered on the platform on Tuesday to see the arrival of a GB Railfreight train, newly named after Preston North End.
The train’s name was unveiled by current Everton manager David Moyes, who managed PNE between 1998 and 2002, at a ceremony also attended by former Preston chairman Bryan Gray (1994-2001), GB Railfreight CEO John Smith and the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Sue Whittam.
Speaking at the event, David said: “I’ve been privileged to be invited here today but in truth, the person who should be here today is Sir Tom Finney if it was possible because he would be the person who epitomises Preston North End more than anybody. But it is great for me to be here today.”
GB Railfreight CEO John Smith added: “There’s two reasons to celebrate today. Firstly - and I’ll come back to this - today is the 25th anniversary of GB Railfreight running its first railfreight service which I hadn’t realised. And secondly, to celebrate for those of you that know the Railfreight, we’ve named quite a few after football clubs. We named them after football clubs, Preston particularly, living in the oldest ground - I think - that is still played in.”
Take a look at 11 photos from the momentous day below...
10. PNE train unveiled (10)
A closer look at the new Presto North End train | National World
11. PNE train unveiled (11)
We hope the train is bringing back some good memories Moyesy! | National World