What a platform for whistle-stop eating!

U.S. food buyers Russell Vernon and Byron Manson, ended their visit to suppliers in North Yorkshire by sampling GNER food on the station platform at York.

They nodded their approval at the wholesome nosh served on GNER's new train catering service being marketed as GO EAT.

It is hardly surprising since a panel of seven judges has just hailed GO EAT as the top marketing innovation seen anywhere on Britain's railways.

Phil Bustard, of GNER's food quality department, explained to the US buyers that by offering the travelling public a choice of freshly-prepared, quality meals in restaurant cars, plus appetising meals, snacks and sandwiches, GNER was "changing people's ideas about food on trains."

The visit to the region by the American food buyers was organised by the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and Business Link York and North Yorkshire.

They were given a reception in York's Mansion House, took a ghost walk and had a Yorkshire-themed dinner at St William's College.

Updated: 09:04 Tuesday, April 01, 2003