Wallasey great grandmother celebrates 100th birthday on Northern Belle

Irene Parsons celebrated her 100th birthday in style on Saturday (March 18) with a champagne trip aboard a train branded as “Britain’s most luxurious train”.

Irene, originally from Wallasey but now living in Hoylake, arrived at Liverpool Lime Street station in a limousine with her son Barry Parsons, 72, from Greasby.

Irene Parsons and her son Barry Parsons stood outside the Northern Belle (Image: PR)

Then they boarded the gleaming Northern Belle 1930s Pullman-style carriage over a special red carpet laid out on the platform before being handed a glass of bubbly.

They were joined on the train by granddaughter Caroline McCullough and her husband James for the meandering journey through the Cheshire countryside.

Caroline, who organised the trip, told the Globe: “Nan was very excited about travelling on the train. She had a marvellous day and really enjoyed it.”

Irene enjoyed a champagne afternoon tea as well as being gifted flowers and a cake while onboard the Northern Belle.

Irene enjoying afternoon tea onboard (Image: PR)

A spokesman for the Northern Belle said: “We were delighted to have Irene and her family on board.

“We hope the occasion brought back lots of happy memories for her of the good old days when travelling by train was an occasion – a time when experiencing the journey was as important as actually getting to the destination.

Barry Parsons, Caroline McCullough and her husband James and Irene Parsons (Image: PR)

“The world’s most famous engine pulling Britain’s most luxurious train is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – something not to be missed.”

The Northern Belle will be back in Liverpool in May and later this year there are plans for the legendary Flying Scotsman steam locomotive to haul a special trip to Edinburgh from the North of England.