Speedy dating: sparks fly in Leeds courtesy of Northern's 'Yorkshire Flyer'

The event, which took place on the station concourse in Leeds, saw local singles from Leeds and Sheffield take part in a series of short introductions designed to spark new connections – all against the backdrop of Northern’s latest fast, direct service linking the two Yorkshire cities.

Attendees were welcomed with refreshments and information about the Yorkshire Flyer, which offers a quicker, more convenient journey between Leeds and Sheffield, with just one stop at Wakefield Westgate.

Those who 'matched' at the event were gifted with a free travel pass to help explore their connection further by train. 

It forms part of a wider campaign to promote the new service, highlighting not only the improved journey times but also the role rail can play in bringing people and communities closer together.

Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director for Northern, said: "Yorkshire Flyer is all about creating better connections across the region, so we wanted to mark its launch in a way that reflected that message.

"Hosting a speed dating event at Leeds station was a light-hearted but meaningful way of bringing people together while showcasing the benefits of our new, faster service between Leeds and Sheffield.

"Yorkshire Flyer provides a simple, convenient and reliable option for customers travelling between two of Yorkshire’s most vibrant cities, whether for work, leisure or to visit friends and family. We’re committed to strengthening links across the North, and this new service is an important step in doing that.”

Yorkshire Flyer operates hourly between Leeds and Sheffield, seven days a week, calling at Wakefield Westgate with a journey time of just 47 minutes between the two big cities.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.