Railway grub has been the butt of jokes for generations.

British Rail's high-tensile pork pies and curled sandwiches have provoked both belly laughs and belly ache.

But since privatisation, York-based train operator GNER has worked to improve the image of its meals on wheels. In April, it held a Chef of the Year competition, won by Chris Tarrant from Hemingbrough, near Selby.

And today it has consigned the infamous rubber burger to the dustbin. In its place on the train menu come pasta, baguettes and vegetarian dishes.

GNER's efforts to improve its fast food are to be applauded. But, as always, the proof of the pasta is in the eating. We await the verdict with interest.

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