A SPIN-OFF from the elegant Orient Express service immortalised by thriller writer Agatha Christie is taking people through Crewe in the lap of luxury.

The evening dining car services on the five-star Northern Belle have been launched by Crewe-based Venice-Simplon-Orient Express.

Dubbed the 'Orient Express of the North', the trains began their evening departures from Liverpool's Lime Street Station with a four-hour return trip along the North Wales coast.

The Crewe firm believes the evening dining trips will appeal to younger, professional people looking for a novel experience.

The train offers Pullman-style dining with silver service meals.

Four-course meals are accompanied by champagne, fine wines and on-board entertainment including a jazz band.

Northern Belle train manager James Humphreys said: 'We have been watching the increasing success of Liverpool's quality restaurants and felt that people would now be interested in an evening's fine dining.'

Mr Humphreys, who previously ran the Chester Grosvenor hotel's award-winning Arkle Restaurant, said: 'While the train's style is unashamedly nostalgic, the atmosphere is not stuffy. We encourage passengers to relax.'

With ticket prices starting around £135 per passenger, this luxury does not come cheap.

However, Orient Express spent £4m creating the nine-coach Northern Belle, which was introduced in May last year.

The train is also sometimes pulled by the famous 1923 steam locomotive Flying Scotsman.

* To find out more about what the Orient Express offers phone 0161 831 7900.