Instead of simply celebrating reaching the two million passenger mark, Hull Trains welcomed its 2,222,222nd passenger on-board, in honour of its Class 222 Pioneer trains. And a very special passenger helped the company mark this occasion.

In preparation for her 91st birthday, May Welch travelled with Hull Trains for a birthday treat in London. Her family arranged for her to see her favourite West End Show, The Sound of Music, after May avidly followed the BBC show to find the new Maria.

As well as being the 2,222,222nd passenger, the sprightly May is also thought to be Hull Trains’ most senior passenger and the on-board team gave May a memorable start to her journey with a bottle of champagne to help the celebrations get underway.

From its somewhat humble beginnings in September 2000, Hull Trains has achieved unprecedented success. Providing a much needed direct rail link between Hull and the East Riding and London, it began operation with just three services each day.

Since then, it has introduced a fleet of Class 222 Pioneer trains, an investment of some £24m, which have allowed the company to deliver a more luxurious and faster service than ever before. The company now operates seven direct daily weekday services, following the launch of later departures both north and southbound in December last year.

Hull Trains has received many awards and accolades during this time for the outstanding passenger service it provides, including the prestigious Guardian/Observer Travel Award for Best Train Company, which was voted for by passengers themselves.