Channel Tunnel high-speed rail company Eurostar increased passenger numbers and sales revenue last year.

The company carried 10.4 million passengers in 2014 - up 3% on the year before. The figure took the total number of passengers to more than 150 million since the service started just over 20 years ago.

Sales revenue last year rose 1% to £867 million.

Eurostar said its business achieved year-on-year growth in underlying profitability with like-for-like operating profit up 2% in 2014 to £55 million.

Chief executive Nicolas Petrovic said: “2014 was a pivotal year for our business as we celebrated our 20th anniversary and unveiled our new fleet.

“Our new e320 trains are now in the final months of testing and on schedule to come into commercial service at the end of this year. As we introduce new trains, upgrade our stations and invest in our service, passengers can look forward to a complete transformation of their travel experience.”