IT was all aboard the night sleeper from Penzance to Paddington which has undergone a £2 million investment.

Monday was a special day for supporters of the service who recently fought and won a battle to save it from the axe.

Officially known as the Night Riviera Sleeper, the train has undergone a host of changes, including revamped seated and berth accommodation, new bed lining and soft furnishings, increased capacity on some services and new trial breakfasts.

All the improvements have been made to ensure the journey from Cornwall to London and back is as relaxed as possible.

Following a ceremony at 1.30pm, in Penzance, the train loaded with VIP guests made its way on a special service to Plymouth to mark its new look.

A First Great Western spokesman said: “Toilets have been upgraded and fixtures and fittings such as carpets, taps, blinds and coat hangers have been replaced. New bed linen, towels and toiletry packs have been provided. The seated coaches on the train have also been comprehensively refreshed with reclining seats and gentle lighting throughout.

“Branded the Night Riviera Sleeper, the exterior has also been repainted to reflect the new corporate branding now introduced across all of First Great Western's rolling stock.”

The special service from Penzance to Plymouth on Monday stopped off in St Austell to allow Restormel Mayor Jackie Bull to disembark.

She said: “It has been an absolute joy to spend the day looking at and riding on the newly-refurbished sleeper which is so vital to us here in Cornwall.”

The night sleeper is operated by Class 57 locomotives and features two seated carriages, a lounge car and three sleeper carriages.

Julia Goldsworthy, Liberal Democrat MP for Falmouth and Camborne, said: “This time three years ago, many people were concerned about the future survival of the service.

“Today's re-launch shows just how much the service's fortunes have turned around in that time. Now the Night Riviera is thriving with increasing demand and refurbished carriages the best evidence of this.”