Rail company First Capital Connect has named a train after a Potters Bar school to mark the school's 400th anniversary.

Peter Martin, a past pupil and chairman of governors at Dame Alice Owen’s School, unveiled the name plaque on the four-carriage Class 321 train at Welwyn Garden City station last Friday.

The train will be known as “Dame Alice Owen’s School 400 years of learning”.

Headteacher Alan Davison said: “This is a momentous occasion for the school to have our foundress's generosity recognised by First Capital Connect in this wonderful way.

"Many of our students travel by train to school every day and are really excited about travelling on a train that recognises the success of their school. We are exceptionally grateful to First Capital Connect for awarding the school this honour.”

The mixed secondary school, which has academy status, was originally founded in Islington in 1613 by Dame Alice, whose first husband was a brewer.

It is supported by the Dame Alice Owen’s Foundation which is managed by the Worshipful Company of Brewers.

First Capital Connect customer service director Keith Jipps said: “Dame Alice Owen's School is an excellent and truly historic institution with many of its pupils using our services every day. We are delighted to be able to mark the occasion in this way and honour the school for its contribution to the local community.”

Ten per cent of the school’s places are allocated to students in Islington, the school’s home for 350 years, and more than 200 students travel with First Capital Connect from the borough to Potters Bar every day.

The school has been busy celebrating its special anniversary all year, with other events involving staff and students making an enormous 400th anniversary cake, a concert at Royal Albert Hall and a service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

They have also played football with Arsenal players and put on a ball at the school, which has all helped raise just over £840,000 to build a new science building at Dame Alice Owen’s.