Great Western Railway (GWR) has unveiled a train featuring a special livery celebrating the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's (RNLI) bicentenary.

Commemorative RNLI 200 artwork adorns the Intercity Express Train, named after the tragically lost Penlee lifeboat, RNLB Solomon Browne.

The vessel was lost on December 19, 1981, resulting in the death of all sixteen on board.

Today saw a solemn ceremony held at London Paddington, where crew members of the Penlee lifeboat were honoured guests.

The train covered with noted RNLI locations from across the GWR network then set off as the 10.04am service to Penzance.

Upon arrival in Penzance at 3pm, the RNLI and GWR staff were set to greet it, along with a ceremonial cake-cutting in the first-class lounge.

GWR will also play safety messages near popular holiday destinations, marking their unique partnership with the RNLI.

GWR Customer Services Director Rachel Geliamassi said: "Much like ourselves, the RNLI has a long and proud history and we wanted to pay our own special thanks to an organisation responsible for saving more than 146,000 lives over the past 200 years.

"The railway celebrates its own 200th anniversary next year and, with the Great Western Railway serving so many fantastic coastal destinations, it is fitting we have been able to form this very special partnership with the RNLI.

"The safety of our customers is always of paramount importance, and we’re pleased to be able to help the RNLI in spreading their safety messages further by reminding people about the dangers of the sea."

British naturalist, explorer and TV presenter Steve Backshall, said: "As a family we take every opportunity to enjoy the water, so I have always had an admiration and respect for the RNLI’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards, and everything they do to keep people safe at the coast.

"Catching people as they get off the train is a perfect opportunity to advise and remind them of how they can stay safe while enjoying our wonderful coastline with their friends and family.

"Simple tips such as; head to a lifeguarded beach, swim between the red and yellow flags, and instructions on how to raise the alarm if they see someone in difficulty, and how to help yourself by using the Float to Live technique."