City's train named after Cunard founder

A new Merseyrail Class 777 train has been named after Sir Samuel Cunard

One of Liverpool City Region’s new trains has been named after the founder of the Cunard Line, Sir Samuel Cunard.

The shipping and liner company revolutionised travel in the 19th Century and opened its headquarters in Liverpool in 1839.

The Merseyrail Class 777 train's new moniker comes as Liverpool prepares to host the naming ceremony of the Queen Anne cruise liner on 3 June.

Cunard president Katie McAlister said the company was "honoured" by the gesture which reflected the 184-year long relationship it had with the city.

Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said Liverpool is the shipping company's "spiritual home"

“Cunard is honoured to have a train named after our founder as we prepare to name our beautiful new ship on the Mersey," she said.

"Queen Anne is the 249th ship to bear Sir Samuel’s name and it is exciting to be able to mark this moment with our spiritual home.”

Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson said it was a "huge honour" the city had been chosen as the location for the official naming of the Queen Anne liner.

"It's great that we can return that distinction by renaming one of our pioneering fleet of new trains as a tribute to Sir Samuel Cunard," he said.

"Our city region has always been at the forefront of technological developments for transport, especially by rail and sea, and our new trains, with their sliding-step access and battery-powered units, are a prime example of this."

The Queen Anne was built in Trieste in Italy

Organisers are expecting thousands to turn out to see the naming ceremony for the vessel, which was built in Italy at a cost of £479m.

Classical singer Andrea Bocelli will perform at the event which will be hosted by Busted star Matt Willis and his TV presenter wife Emma Willis.

After the performance from Bocelli, celebrations will continue with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, and DJ Lauren Lo Sung before a funk and soul set from Craig Charles.