The Weymouth to Bristol line operator has named a train in honour of Army veteran and illustrious NHS fundraiser Captain Tom Moore.

Capt Tom captured the hearts of the nation after raising more than £29 million for the NHS by walking laps of his garden to mark his 100th birthday, which is today.

He worked as an instructor at the armoured fighting vehicle school in Bovington after service in the Second World War. His regiment – the 8th Battalion, the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment – trained in Wadebridge, Cornwall.

In another honour to mark his extraordinary achievement Great Western Railway (GWR), has named Intercity Express Train 800025 Captain Tom Moore. It has been named in response to requests from both GWR staff and members of the public.

GWR Interim Managing Director Matthew Golton said: “With his indomitable spirit what Captain Tom has achieved is truly inspirational, and an example to us all."

The train will go into service carrying its new name today and will carry key workers travelling to and from work on the Great Western network.

The Class 800 can operate on unelectrified track but it is very unlikely this train will be seen on the Weymouth line as it is used by GWR on mainline express services between London, the Westcountry and Wales.