YORK-BASED train operator GNER has sealed a prestigious deal with champagne company Veuve Clicquot for Royal Ascot in York.

Nick Spencer, the catering manager for GNER, said: "Our special contract with Veuve Clicquot, one of the finest of all the champagne brands, comes just in time for Royal Ascot in York.

"We will be bringing thousands of passengers from the south and Scotland on the East Coast route to York in June, and I suspect a fair number of them will want to celebrate with champagne.

"What better way of making the journey pass pleasantly could there be than by providing bottles of Veuve Clicquot? We will be selling three bottle sizes (20cl, 37.5cl and 75cl) at a very competitive rate," said Mr Spencer.

The deal has been arranged in conjunction with the Thirsk-based wine merchants Playford Ros, the leading Yorkshire vintners who supply GNER with all their wine.

Andrew Firth, managing director of Playford Ros, said: "We were delighted to be able to help to arrange the link-up between GNER and Veuve Clicquot and trust that it will be mutually beneficial. Royal Ascot in York promises to be a tremendous occasion and I know this deal will give it an extra boost."

GNER will provide five extra trains daily each way between York and London for Royal Ascot from June 14 to 18.

First class passengers will be given a champagne brunch as they travel north.

Updated: 10:21 Thursday, April 07, 2005