The partnership aims to boost tourism in Cumbria, Yorkshire, Lancashire and Northumberland by encouraging people to visit.

The offer by the train operator is timed to coincide with the February half-term holiday and Easter break in March.

Discounted fares are available from Tuesday 9^th February on direct Virgin Trains services to destinations including Carlisle, Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith and Preston on the west coast route and Berwick-upon-Tweed, Doncaster, Leeds, Morpeth and York on the east coast. These fares will be available three weeks before the date of travel.

Phil Whittingham, managing director at Virgin Trains, said: “We’re proud to be supporting VisitEngland’s campaign, showing that the affected regions are very much open for business.

“Working together with Virgin Trains East Coast shows our commitment to the communities we serve - we’re really keen to get behind them by encouraging people to visit these fantastic counties. We hope as many people as possible travel and show their support to bring back tourism.”

Sally Balcombe, chief executive at VisitEngland, said: “With half term and Easter on the horizon there is no better time to give the Great British public a reason to book their short break or holiday, especially to areas recently affected by the adverse weather.

“We want to emphasise that they are very much open for business. Tourism is an essential part of local economies and incentives such as this travel offer will give these areas a much-needed boost.”