PEOPLE in West Yorkshire are being urged to keep an eye out for a newly-repainted Christmas train sporting a striking blue livery.

Virgin Trains has unveiled two festive-themes trains, one of which will operate on the East Coast Main Line between London and West Yorkshire.

A Pendolino transformed into a Penguilino and a Class 91 made over as Claus 91 appeared side by side for the first time at London Kings Cross station (pictured).

The unveiling marked the end of a nationwide competition among primary school children for a Christmas Train design. Joint winners, nine year old Amber Maxfield and 11 year old Madeleine Deakin, were there to see their festive drawings come to life.

The competition attracted hundreds of entries and was run in partnership with the Book Trust. The judging panel, which was headed by Jill Murphy, author of the popular Worst Witch and The Large Family series, were so impressed by the entries that two winners were chosen.

Now two trains, one on the West Coast (Penguilino) and one on the East Coast (Claus 91), boast the children's very different designs but share the same midnight blue sky backdrop. Each Christmas train bears the name of its young designer.

Patrick McCall, Chairman of Virgin Trains, said: ‘‘We loved the concepts that these two young designers came up with and are proud to have their ideas transform two trains. It’s fantastic that both the East Coast and West Coast services have come together to make our customers’ journeys throughout December extra special - especially on their way home for Christmas.’’

Diana Gerald, Book Trust chief executive, said: “This project has been a great opportunity to inspire children to use their imaginations and we were really impressed with the quality of entries. We received everything from family party scenes to our most beloved Christmas characters.’’

The Christmas trains will run on the Virgin Trains network throughout December and carry passengers travelling over the festive period.