REGIONAL train operator One yesterday celebrated the completion of its £25million investment in more modern rolling stock for its main line London to Norwich services.

REGIONAL train operator One yesterday celebrated the completion of its £25million investment in more modern rolling stock for its main line London to Norwich services.

The fleet of 118 newly refurbished Mark 3 carriages offers more seating and improved air conditioning compared with the previous Mark 2 stock and complements the Class 90 locomotives which have already replaced the ageing Class 86 units used on the route for the past 20 years.

To mark the end of the phased introduction of the new trains, One yesterday teamed up with the East of England Tourist Board for a train naming ceremony at Liverpool Street station.

EETB chairman Derek Langslow named one of the Class 90 locomotives “Let's Go East of England”, to promote the joint £400,000 “Let's Go” marketing campaign on which One has been working closely with the tourist board to encourage train travel to and from London.

Dominic Booth, managing director of One, said: “The upgrade of our mainline fleet of trains completes one of our key franchise commitments in transforming the standards of customer service and the on-train environment on our Norwich to London mainline route.

“I am also delighted to mark the completion of the upgrade project in conjunction with our partners at the East of England Tourist Board. The development of the 'Let's Go' campaign is a major boost for the region we both serve, providing economic and environmental benefits.”

Keith Brown, commercial director for the EETB, added: “The East of England Tourist Board is delighted that its successful partnership with one railway is being recognised by the naming of this train.

“The Let's Go programme is a key revenue driver for both 'one' railway and the many tourism businesses that participate in the marketing campaign. We invite new attractions, accommodation providers and the region's cities and towns to share in this success to make 2007 a profitable year for all.”

The refurbished Mark 3 carriages include completely new seat covers, carpets, curtains and décor, improved access and facilities for the disabled and upgraded buffet areas, in addition to the restaurant and at-seat trolley services which have been retained from the days of the Mark 2 coaches.