Ex Tory minister Michael Portillo takes a train journey into Portrush

The ex-Conservative Cabinet minister toured the North Coast for the series and during his stop at Station Square in Portrush, he met with the mayor of Coleraine, alderman Maurice Bradley and Town Clerk and Chief Executive of Coleraine Borough Council, Roger Wilson.

He said he thoroughly enjoyed his visit and admired the beautiful scenery along our coastline. In his series of epic rail journeys, Mr Portillo travels the length and breadth of the country to see how the railways changed the way we live.

The mayor of Coleraine, alderman Maurice Bradley said: “We are always keen to promote our local area and it was a privilege to welcome Michael to the Borough.

“It was especially good to see our coastline featured in Great Railway Journeys last week. Our railway is important to the Borough in terms of both tourism and the local economy. Another famous television personality, Michael Palin has already voted it as a classic rail trip when he last experienced the journey.

“Programmes such as Michael’s show the nation what this area has to offer for tourists, sporting enthusiasts, and of course golfers. I’m sure many people in the borough and further afield thoroughly enjoyed the programme which was aired on the BBC last Friday evening.”