Train operator Northern has recorded its highest number of passenger journeys in more than four years.

More than 8.1 million journeys were made across its network between September 14 and October 11, marking its busiest month since before the pandemic.

Demand was boosted by Northern’s recent Flash Sale, which saw customers snap up a record 150,000 advance tickets, priced from just £2.

Alex Hornby, commercial and customer director for Northern, said: “This record performance is a testament to the growing strength of our network and the trust our customers place in us.

“We’re seeing more people than ever choosing Northern for work, leisure and everything in between – and initiatives like the Flash Sale are helping make rail travel more accessible and affordable.

“I’d like to thank our customers for trusting Northern – we know there is more work to be done on performance, and we’re working hard to get things right.”

The operator runs 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

Northern is aiming for no more than two per cent of services to be cancelled and that 90 per cent arrive within three minutes of schedule.