Training Train

I've just got back from a stint wardening a Youth Hostel in Northumberland. I went there by train and bus. The train to newcastle from Lancaster entails a change at Carlisle where I had to wait a half hour for my connection. This diesel loco in VIRGIN livery travels daily from Peston to Carlisle then returns to Preston. It passes my studio each day at 3-00pm and returns at 5-00pm. I have been told it is used by trainee drivers "learning the road", where they familiarise themselves with signals, points, speed limits etc. before driving the passenger trains.
I got this picture at Carlisle as it was prepared for its return journy south. It never seems to haul coaches or trucks. Its always the solo loco.

Norman