Gatwick Express passengers treated to free Guinness

People using the Gatwick Express train service on March 15th will be offered free drinks of Guinness to accompany their journey.

The initiative has been organised by the train service operator to mark St Patrick's Day, which will be celebrated two days earlier than the usual March 17th this year to avoid a clash with a Christian holy day.

People on train platforms at Gatwick Airport and Victoria station will be offered the drink between 11:00 and 16:00 GMT.

Gareth Jones, the train operator's head of customer service, said: "St Patrick's Day is an internationally-recognised festival and Gatwick Express carries both UK and international clientele, therefore we wanted to add a little fun and festivity for our passengers as they board the train."

Flights are available from Gatwick to a number of hubs in Ireland, including Belfast International Airport, Dublin and Cork.

There will be a number of festivals held around Ireland between March 13th and 17th to mark St Patrick's Day.