Avanti West Coast train uses Settle to Carlisle line for first time in years

An operator’s first passenger train has crossed a historical and scenic route for the first time in more than a decade.

Avanti West Coast’s 07:54 GMT from Wigan was the first to run on the Settle to Carlisle route earlier.

The 73-mile line is renowned for its picturesque views across the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines via the Ribblehead viaduct.

The route is usually only used by Northern trains operating between Leeds and Carlisle, but Avanti is using it as a diversion while work to replace the Clifton Bridge take place over the M6 near Penrith.