Passengers stepped back in time to the golden age of rail travel for a luxury trip on the Northern Belle on Friday, which departed from Norwich. 

The Northern Belle, known as Britain's poshest train, is offering a range of packages from the city on September 8 and 9. 

The first trip set off at around 12.15pm on Friday, with a choice of either Champagne Afternoon Tea, The Spirit of Travel Lunch or a Laurent-Perrier Champagne Lunch.

Norwich Evening News: A table set for a champagne lunch on the Northern Belle Picture: Denise BradleyA table set for a champagne lunch on the Northern Belle Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

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It then picked up more passengers at Ipswich Station and it will go on a trip through the countryside, finishing back in Norwich at around 5pm. 

Norwich Evening News: Passengers on the Northern Belle, Lorna and David Bowes Picture: Denise BradleyPassengers on the Northern Belle, Lorna and David Bowes Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

Lorna and David Bowes came from Bexleyheath to Norwich to ride the Northern Belle for the first time and it was a present from their daughters.

Mr Bowes said: "We are looking forward to a lovely day out and afternoon tea, though we feel a bit overdressed!" 

The train features 1930s Pullman-style coaches named after British stately homes and castles with grand decor inside.

Norwich Evening News: Passengers on the Northern Belle, Michelle and Clive Jackson from Lowestoft Picture: Denise BradleyPassengers on the Northern Belle, Michelle and Clive Jackson from Lowestoft Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

Michelle Jackson, from Lowestoft who came with her husband, said: "We were meant to travel last July but Clive got Covid so we have been waiting for more than a year.

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"My friend had been on the Northern Belle for an anniversary present and told me what a lovely day it was so I booked it for Clive's birthday last year." 

Norwich Evening News: Passengers on the Northern Belle, Malcolm and Janet Buckenham from Hethersett Picture: Denise BradleyPassengers on the Northern Belle, Malcolm and Janet Buckenham from Hethersett Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

Malcolm and Janet Buckenham, from Hethersett, also had to postpone their original trip. 

Mr Buckenham said: "It was my 80th birthday present before lockdown and we were meant to come before, but my wife needed an operation so we have been looking forward to it for a long time.

"I like trains but I really like good food." 

The Northern Belle returns to Norwich and Ipswich Stations on Saturday for a luxury day trip up to York.