Avanti West Coast is launching the first fully wrapped Pride train in the UK, entirely staffed by an LGBTQ+ crew for its first official service today.

After Covid-19 forced the cancellation of Pride events across the country, which Avanti West Coast had planned to support, the intercity rail operator has completely wrapped one of its iconic Pendolinos with the Pride flag.

Billed as the biggest Pride flag the UK has seen on the side of a train, the 11-carriage, 265 metre-long train will be waved off by Avanti West Coast staff and members of the LGBTQ+ community at Euston and will be welcomed in at Manchester Piccadilly station.

With a strong focus on LGBTQ+ education, the train will be filled with literature, stories and colourful posters and will feature Pride related information and fun facts during the onboard announcements.

Train manager, Paul Austin, said: “This is about being accepted for who I am and representing the LGBTQ+ community we serve across our network.

“Being a part of the UK’s first all LGBTQ+ crew is a sign of the steps we’re taking towards a more inclusive, diverse and equal society and I am so proud to be involved today.”