Train farewell tour sold out in just 15 seconds

Tickets to a farewell event for commuter trains which are due to be phased out in Surrey were sold out in just 15 seconds, according to South Western Railway (SWR).

The tour on 21 December will bid farewell to SWR's Class 455 trains, which have served some of Berkshire, South West London and Surrey's busiest stations since 1983.

The company said more than 9,000 customers tried to buy just 400 tickets for a special charter service which will stop at places including Epsom and Haslemere.

In response to the "unprecedented demand", SWR and the Branch Line Society said they would run a second train as part of the farewell tour.

Lawrence Bowman, managing director of SWR and Network Rail Wessex Route, said they have been "amazed at the level of interest".

The company added a limited number of tickets for the second train went on sale on Tuesday, and were "also expected to sell out".

"Knowing there are so many enthusiasts who want to be part of this special occasion, we're pleased to run a second train," Mr Bowman added.

The money will go towards Macmillan, The Alex Wardle Foundation and Railway Children, SWR says.

SWR says the Class 455 trains will be retired by the end of 2025 as the company rolls out more of its Arterio trains.

Tickets to the farewell event cost £45.50.

A total of 70 Class 455 trains were built by British Rail Engineering Ltd and came into service on suburban routes in March 1983.

During the farewell event, the first train will leave at 09:32 GMT, followed by the second train at 10:35 GMT.

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