Preston North End season ticket holders can now get 25% off the price of Advance fares with Virgin Trains*.

The offer was launched at last Saturday's home league fixture against Chesterfield after Virgin Trains became main sponsor and travel partner of the club in July.

To celebrate the launch of the deal, 500 people who book through the dedicated website - www.virgintrains.co.uk/pnefc - will be upgraded to First Class for free **.

Savings will be available when travelling elsewhere on the Virgin Trains network, with regular services to Birmingham, Carlisle, Glasgow and Edinburgh – and not just on matchdays.

Speaking about the launch of the scheme PNE's customer services manager, Amanda Craig, said: "We were absolutely delighted to agree the sponsorship with Virgin Trains in July and now we can give our season ticket holders the benefits of that deal with this fantastic offering.

"It will allow supporters to take a lot of the hassle out of away trips and also open up fantastic business and leisure opportunities at a discounted rate. As part of this launch we can also announce that we are having a window of opportunity for supporters who aren't season ticket holders to purchase one at a pro-rata rate.

"These will also be on sale from 9.00am on Wednesday, 17th September, until 5.00pm on Tuesday, 30th September – meaning you can guarantee your seat for what we hope will be an enthralling season and also guarantee yourself big savings on rail travel".

Gary Iddon, Virgin Trains' general manager for Anglo-Scottish services, said: "We're really proud of the relationship we've established with the club and this is a great offer for fans.

"We look forward to inviting season ticket holders onto our services in the coming weeks and months, whether that's for away matches or any other time".

Full instructions on how best to use the service, explaining how season ticket holders can book sections of their trips separately, depending what journeys is on the Virgin network, will be available on PNE.com.

* Terms and conditions apply, season ticket holders require their member number to gain the discount.

** Bookings must be made by 23rd September for travel on or after 1st October.