Trains have been fitted with face masks to encourage rail users to follow suit and adhere to government rules.

Since Monday, it has been mandatory for those using public transport in England to wear a face mask or covering in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

To remind others to stick to the rules, Avanti West Coast has wrapped the nose of two Pendolinos with a yellow face covering, along with the message, "Safe Travels. Wear a face covering".

Managing Director of Avanti West Coast, Phil Whittingham, said: “Nothing is more important than safety, so we’ve introduced these measures to give our customers confidence to travel with us.

“We also need our customers’ help: please bring a face covering with you, buy your ticket in advance and avoid the busiest times if possible.”

As not everyone is required to wear a mask, including children under 11 years old, those with breathing difficulties and people whose disability makes it difficult to wear a face covering, the company has introduced other safety measures to protect customers and staff.

These include one-way systems at stations, enhanced cleaning regimes with a "powerful disinfectant" that only needs to be reapplied every 28 days, and encouraging customers to book in advance to prevent queues and cut down on unnecessary interactions.