Full steam ahead for our Gladys

Cleckheaton's Gladys Kell on the Orient Express. She has just taken her 44th trip in February 2015.

The 89-year-old former deputy Mayor of Spenborough is well-known to staff on the nostalgic luxury train, having taken rides since 1992.

Her most recent trip was on the Valentines Day-themed journey last Saturday, travelling from Leeds to North Allerton, West Hartlepool, Sunderland, Newcastle and back again.

Gladys, of Hightown Road, Cleckheaton, said: “It was absolutely marvellous. I’ve gone 44 times and my family are taking after me. They’ve been 26 times. They’re going to keep the tradition up!

“There’s 13 carriages and all the staff have been on years and years. They look beautiful in their uniforms.

“We do get spoilt. The chef always makes me something special.

“When I’d gone on 25 times, they gave me a staff badge with my name on. With being regular customers, we get all sorts of little perks!

“They gave us a big fresh rose when we got off. It was lovely was that.”