An adorable and highly trained golden retriever named Whistle is joining Northern‘s team as its brand-new mascot.

Whistle’s job will be to encourage more people to travel by train, spread important educational and safety messages about dangers around the railway, and promote multiple future careers in the rail industry.

Northern ran a company-wide competition to name the mascot, and it was Sheffield-based train driver Andrew Lupton and his daughter Penny who came up with the winning name of Whistle.

Although Whistle the dog loves bones, he also loves trains, safety, and collecting tickets, but dislikes fireworks and anyone who puts their muddy feet on seats.

To introduce Whistle to the travelling public, next week he will be at handing out goodie bags with other members of the Northern team on the following dates:

• Monday, 3 April in Leeds city centre;
• Tuesday, 4 April at Leeds station;
• Wednesday, 5 April at Manchester Piccadilly station;
• Thursday 6 April in Manchester city centre.

Northern trains are both child friendly and easy on the pocket, as children aged between five and 15 travel for half-price on most fares across the UK rail network, and children under the age of five travel for free provided they are accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.

Further information about Whistle the Dog can be found online at northernrailway.co.uk/tickets/kids/whistle-the-dog, and further information about advance tickets is available at northernrailway.co.uk/tickets/advance.