Former politician turned travel broadcaster Michael Portillo has spoken about how much he enjoys riding the rails of East Anglia in a new podcast.

He has taken part in Greater Anglia's latest Life on Rails podcast after his journeys around the region featured on his Great Railways Journeys series for the BBC.

Over the years he has visited many parts of the region and met many people - including volunteers at the Leiston Long Shop Museum and the Suffolk Horses Trust at Hollesley among many others.

Mr Portillo first got to know the region's railways when he was a student at Cambridge University in the 1970s.

He said: “I have a lot of fondness for Greater Anglia, and it was a pleasure to join their Life on Rail podcast.

“The introduction of the new trains has been particularly impressive, and I have been struck by their acceleration and punctuality.

"They also look very smart while being quiet and therefore do not upset my soundman if we are ever filming.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to spend time in East Anglia and the Greater Anglia staff very often come out and greet us.

"They want to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible, and I am truly grateful.”

Michael Portillo with Dom Russo before the recording.Michael Portillo with Dominic Rosso before the recording. (Image: Greater Anglia)

Presented by Lucy Wright and Dominic Rosso from Greater Anglia’s Corporate Affairs team, the Life on Rails podcast gives passengers a peek behind the curtain of one of the largest train operators in the country.

Across this brand-new series of the magazine-style podcast, Life on Rails will welcome a wide variety of special guests who will share their incredible stories.

Greater Anglia employees who are at the heart of operations will also explain how they have helped make Greater Anglia the most punctual and reliable train operator in the UK.