POIROT let the train take the strain as he staged a book signing event with a difference – on board a high speed train.

David Suchet, star of ITV’s popular crime drama, met fans of the series at an exclusive book signing event on an East Coast train travelling from London to York.

The award-winning English actor took time out from his journey to meet passengers and sign copies of his new book, Poirot And Me, as well as answering questions about his career in a live chat on East Coast’s Twitter feed, @eastcoastuk David played the iconic role of Agatha Christie’s Belgian detective on ITV for more than two decades.

His last appearance as Hercule Poirot was broadcast last month when he played out the final scenes of Curtain: Poirot’s Last Case.

Almost 100 passengers met David during his one hour and 50 minute journey.

He signed copies of his book along with co-author Geoffrey Wansell.

The pair were travelling on to Harrogate to meet fans and share memories of the role at the town’s Royal Hall, organised as part of Harrogate’s annual Crime Writing Festival.

Mr Suchet said: “It’s been a first for me doing a book signing on a train, and it has been terrific. I’m now looking forward to visiting Harrogate, a place I love very much”.

Agatha Christie famously disappeared in 1926 sparking a national manhunt, only to be found at Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel, now home to the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the biggest event of its kind in Europe.