TRAIN fan Edan Sargant took VIP status to a whole new level as he enjoyed a great day out at Carlisle Railway Station - as a Very Important Passenger.

The Cumbrian youngster was given special status by staff which saw him take a run out to Blackpool.

His treat came at a final community fun day held by Virgin Trains at the Citadel station, which will come under new control from Sunday when First Group and Trenitalia take over the West Coast Mainline franchise.

Virgin, who have operated it for 22 years, will be renamed as Avanti West Coast.

The six-year-old, who lives near Cockermouth, was invited down along with his family to the station following an open letter by his dad Nik to businessman and owner Sir Richard Branson, who highlighted his love of trains and thanked rail staff for their help over the years.

In the letter, Nik shared that Edan’s favourite train in their fleet was named after ‘Clic Sargant’, which shares his surname.

After staff surprised him with the special trip, he was taken on a guided tour of the station, and also presented with the nameplate from the Virgin Pendolino train to take home.