Passengers on the Northern Belle ‘Spirit of Lunch’ special train from Birmingham last weekend clapped and cheered when Suraj Daryanani went down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend.

Namrata Nasra had said “Yes”, and train staff presented the couple with a bunch of flowers, champagne and a celebration cake. Namrata and Suraj then danced in the carriage corridor, accompanied by the train’s resident musicians.

Suraj, a 33-year-old businessman from Singapore, said later: “I was extremely nervous but everything went so smoothly. The Northern Belle staff were absolutely brilliant and I can’t thank them enough.

“My fiancée and I were extremely lucky to be on board this wonderful, magical train and we will definitely be back again soon.”

A Northern Belle spokesman said: “We were something of a Love Train on this journey. For just a few seats away from Suraj and Namrata, another couple were celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary!”