THOUSANDS of shoppers are set to cross the border to experience Glasgow’s Christmas attractions, new figures have revealed.

Last year, nearly 15,000 visited the city between November and early January, a 28 per cent increase on 2014/15 - and it's set to keep on growing.

The number of people taking advantage of Virgin Trains reduced day return fares from the north of England in the run up to the festive period has grown by more than a quarter in just three years, with shoppers keen to visit the UK's largest shopping destination outside London before Santa's arrival.

While the amount of planned festive trips from northern England has also surged.

Last December, the number advance journeys in December between Glasgow and Preston, Lancaster and Cumbria rose to 5700 a week, nearly a third higher than in 2013.

Michael Stewart, Virgin Trains general manager for Anglo-Scottish services, said the growing reputation of Glasgow as a shopping and leisure destination as well as faster train journeys was drawing more people to visit from as far as Preston.

Read more: Join us for a tour of the St Enoch Christmas market

He added: “Glasgow’s world class shopping, Christmas markets, attractions and atmosphere makes it the perfect day out and we are seeing lots more people from the north of England taking advantage of our reduced fares in the run-up to Christmas.

"With three Virgin Trains services every two hours to Glasgow, it’s a quick and enjoyable way to visit Scotland’s biggest city."

In recent years, Glasgow has cemented its reputation as a festive destination, with heavily-attended Christmas markets established in George Square and St Enoch Square alongside the city’s world-famous Style Mile retail district.

Councillor David McDonald, chair of Glasgow Life and depute leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “We welcome Virgin Trains’ ongoing commitment to Glasgow and we’re delighted that this great value offer will once again make the city even more accessible to leisure visitors from the North of England throughout the festive season. As the success of this joint promotion shows, flexible, affordable rail travel together with a compelling destination offering is a winning combination for Glasgow.

"As the UK’s largest and most successful shopping destination outside London with a huge selection of world-class brands and retailers we’re confident there’s something to suit every shopper and budget.

"Together with a packed programme of magical events and festive fun, it’s true that Glasgow Loves Christmas like nowhere else.”