A FLINTSHIRE woman won a bottle of bubbly after being selected as the best dressed passenger on the vintage Northern Belle train.

Claudia McKinlay, from Hawarden, was enjoying a luxurious trip to Ladies Day at Royal Ascot.

“It was a wonderful surprise and a lovely day out,”  said the 27-year-old human resources officer.

Claudia travelled on the 1930s Pullman-style train from Crewe with her sister Lydia and mum Sue.

Alas, though, they couldn’t spot any winners on the track.

“I don’t know a lot about horses,” admitted Claudia, “but I love the atmosphere.

“And we enjoy going to Chester races from time to time.

“Still, we had a great day out and winning the champagne was the icing on the cake.”

Claudia had bought her outfit specially for the day.

And she is now planning another journey on the Northern Belle, which was once part of the iconic Orient Express group.

Fares start at £295. For further details, see www.northernbelle.co.uk.

“Everything was so special,” she said, “the train, the food and the staff.

“I will certainly be booking another trip – we fancy one to Edinburgh later this summer.”

The Northern Belle, which Bill Nighy described on Channel 5 as “the Grand Dame of luxury travel”,  travels to various destinations from stations all round Britain.