After more than 40 years in operation the last regular High Speed Train made its final journey on the Penzance to London Paddington line on Saturday.

Large crowds lined the route as the Inter-City 125 Sir Kenneth Grange ended four decades of service by the trains. They are being replaced with bullet-style Intercity Express Trains.

The engine left the depot at Laira, Plymouth, early on Saturday morning, as can be seen in the video above.

The very last regularly timetabled service was the 18:30 from Paddington to Taunton, which was extended to Exeter St Davids, and seats onboard were filled by reservation only.

Only passengers with a valid seat reservation were able to board.

Falmouth Packet:

The last High Speed Train leaving its Plymouth depot. Video still: Roger Edwards via GWR

Those opting to travel to Paddington to record the event were able to do so and special designated areas were set aside for enthusiasts to be able to photograph and film safely.

An additional 18:32 Intercity Express Train was also provided for those who did not wish to be on the last regularly timetabled High Speed Train.

GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: “The High Speed Train has served the western region for nearly 43 years, making a major impact on Intercity travel not only here in the west but across the country.”

He said the transfer to the new Intercity Express Trains marked a “major milestone” in transforming Great Western Railway, which should see it deliver more seats and more frequent, quicker journeys.

In addition to the 18:30 service, the 18:03 departure to Plymouth, the 18:15 departure to Cheltenham Spa and the 18:22 departure to Hereford were also due to be formed of High Speed Trains, subject to operational requirements, providing a unique, farewell line-up at Paddington.

The High Speed Train will make a special return to Paddington for a charity charter tour on June 1, which will be raising money for First Group’s chosen charity, Action for Children.