Put your name on the train .. competition to christen Intercity fleet arriving at Kettering in 2022

The train soon to be arriving at Kettering station could have your name on it!

East Midlands Railway is launching a competition to find a title for its entire fleet of new Intercity trains which will run through Northamptonshire from 2022.

The trains are currently labelled 'Class 810' but the operator insists suggestions must include train heritage, history of the East Midlands or technological advancement.

Fellow train company LNER named its new of Hitachi-built trains Azuma — which means 'east' in Japanese. And SouthEastern's 140mph high-speed services out of London were christened Javelins when they started running for the 2012 Olympics.

Rachel Turner, Head of New Trains at East Midlands Railway, said: “Everyone at EMR is excited about the introduction of our new state-of-the-art bi-mode trains. They will enable us to provide our passengers with quicker and more comfortable journeys between the East Midlands and London.

“But before they come into service, we need help from the public to name them. We are keen that the name reflects the proud railway heritage that is so strong in this region.

"But as well as highlighting the special history of East Midlands, we are also looking for a name which showcases the advanced technological side of the trains. If you have any ideas please take part.”

The new bi-mode Hitachi trains coming to Northamptonshire draw on Japanese bullet train technology — like their close relative Azuma's running between King's Cross and the North East — are quieter and greener, meaning lower carbon emissions and a better environment for passengers, stations, and communities along the route.

They can run under new overhead electric lines which have been extended as far as Corby and Market Harborough during a £1.5billion upgrade of the Midland Main Line — or using diesel engines north of Harborough on journeys linking the East Midlands with London St Pancras,

The 33 new Class 810 units, which are being built in Hitachi’s factory in the North East, will be used on EMR's Intercity services stopping at Kettering as part of a new timetable being introduced later this year.

To suggest a name click HERE to visit the EMR website by Friday, 26th June.