The women are the first to qualify as drivers on Hull trains

Claire Glenville, 23, and Lindsey Angus, 29, both from Hull have now taken control of regular services between the city and London.

The two are the first women to qualify as drivers with the Hull Trains firm.

The idea of becoming a train driver really appealed to me, said Claire as she made her first "solo run" on the East Coast main line.

Flying colours

Training for both women took nine months, and covered train driving, learning the routes and signalling.

Both passed their qualifications with flying colours, said a spokeswoman for Hull Trains.

In fact, she added, Claire's marks were among the highest in the country.

Claire has worked her way up through the company's ranks after starting at an "entry-level position" when the firm began running trains four years ago.

Claire has also appeared in the company's advertisements and leaflets.

Both women were train managers before training to become drivers.

Really exciting

"I was ready for a new challenge," said Claire, "and the idea of becoming a train driver really appealed to me.

"It's really exciting to be one of the first female train drivers for Hull Trains, never mind one of the youngest long-distance train drivers in the country.

"It feels great to have come through the training and I am really looking forward to getting on with my new role now."