Two pensioners ended up 200 miles from home after boarding wrong train in London

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Mollie Muetzel and Kathleen Lowndes caught train at Kings Cross
Accidentally boarded non-stop fast service to York instead of Knebworth
But they were given free cakes during their three-and-a-half hour journey

Published: 08:27 EST, 19 October 2015 | Updated: 09:11 EST, 19 October 2015

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Two lifelong friends who took a daytrip to London to celebrate their upcoming 90th birthdays ended up 200 miles from home - when they got on the wrong train back.

Mollie Muetzel and Kathleen Lowndes had enjoyed afternoon tea at the Savoy Hotel when they mistakenly boarded the wrong rush hour train at Kings Cross.

Instead of heading for Knebworth, Hertfordshire - just a 30-minute journey away - they got on a non-stop fast service to York.

The two life-long women boarded the wrong train after getting caught up in the Kings Cross rush hour

Mollie, 89, said: 'We went past four or five long carriages, all first-class, before eventually getting on.

'Two young chaps gave up their seats and then soon after the train had departed I heard mention of York.'

The conductor told them he was unable to stop - but managed to keep the pair supplied with free teas and cake to make their northbound journey as comfortable as possible.

Mollie added: 'The man came to us and said "I'm awfully sorry but we can't stop as it's a fast train".'

'He said to sit back, relax and enjoy the journey, though, as they were going to take good care of us.

'We were pampered - we couldn't fault them - it makes a change to praise British Rail.'

Mollie Muetzel and Kathleen Lowndes had enjoyed afternoon tea at the Savoy Hotel

But instead of ending up at Kathleen's house in Kenbworth, Hertfordshire, they arrived 200 miles away in York

Grandmother-of-two Kathleen, 89, added: 'There was nothing we could do but sit back and relax.

'It was lovely that they didn't charge us for the journey, so we just sat back and enjoyed it.'

When the Virgin East Coast train arrived at York a member of staff escorted them to a Stevenage-bound train and they finally got home by 10pm, after a four-hour adventure.

The ladies, who have been friends for almost 80 years, said they often go on adventures together, but usually like to plan ahead.