Devon-based author and War Horse star honoured by Great Western Railway

Devon-based author Michael Morpurgo and ‘Joey’, the famous horse from War Horse, have been honoured by Great Western Railway (GWR) with a train named after them.

The life-sized puppet horse, created by the Handspring Puppet Company for the National Theatre’s production, made a rare appearance at London Paddington Station as part of the naming ceremony.

Commuters watched as Joey walked from the war memorial on Platform 1 to meet Morpurgo, who then unveiled the newly named train. 

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The procession was joined by members of the War Horse cast, who performed music from the play and even stopped to greet Paddington Bear on their way through the station.

The event ended on Platform 8, where Michael and his wife Clare Morpurgo revealed the nameplate on the Intercity Express Train 802007.

ABOVE: Commuters watched as Joey walked from the war memorial on Platform 1 (Credit: GWR)

Ashley Bray, HR Director at GWR, said: “We were thrilled to welcome Michael and Clare to Paddington today to unveil not one, but two new liveries on Intercity Express Train 802007.

“Michael and Clare have contributed a huge amount to the communities of Devon through their writing and with the Farms for City Children charity. This train is our way of thanking them for their ongoing commitment to the people of this beloved corner of the Great Western network.”

War Horse tells the story of a young Devon farm boy, Albert, and his horse Joey, set during the First World War. 

When Joey is sold to the Cavalry and sent to France, Albert, too young to enlist, sets out to find him and bring him home.

The novel, first published in 1982, has sold more than two million copies, been adapted for the stage in 2007, and later adapted into a 2011 film directed by Steven Spielberg.

Speaking at the ceremony, Michael Morpurgo said: “Having my name on the side of a train is not something I ever thought I would see, so to have that honour alongside Joey, who has been in my life for more than 40 years, fills me with joy.

“In this age of phones dominating our lives, a long train journey is one of the few places where we can stop and read a good book, occasionally lifting our eyes to take in the marvellous views we’re lucky to travel through.

“I’m grateful to GWR and the National Theatre for allowing Joey to be part of this special day, and for GWR’s ongoing work with local organisations like Farms for City Children. I shall give Joey a ‘hello you’ pat every time before I get on the train and a ‘thank you’ pat when I get off.”

ABOVE: One end now bears the name Joey, while the other carries Michael Morpurgo (Credit: GWR)

Guests at the event included representatives from Farms for City Children, a charity founded by Michael and Clare nearly 50 years ago. 

The charity gives children from urban areas the chance to experience life on a working farm, with sites in Devon, Gloucestershire and Pembrokeshire.

Corinna Csaky, Chief Executive of Farms for City Children, said: “It’s wonderful to see Michael and Clare’s dedication to our charity and to communities in Devon recognised in such a special way.”

As the newly named train left Paddington on its first journey to Exeter St Davids, Michael waved it off, with Joey cantering alongside on the platform.