Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have had two new Welsh trains named after their home cities.

The actors, who took over Wrexham Football Club in 2021, were honoured in recognition of the “positive work” and the impact the owners have had in the area, including helping local businesses.

The Vancouver Red Dragon and Philadelphia Robin, named by Transport for Wales, were unveiled by Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething and Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates, ahead of the home game against Stockport.

Since Canadian-born actor Reynolds and US star McElhenney, both 47, bought the then National League club three years ago, the team has been promoted twice in succession.

They won the National League title last season, moving them up to League Two, and also secured promotion this time around, with a 6-0 win over Forest Green.

North Wales-based Wrexham will play in League One next season – the third tier of English football.

Mr Gething said it was “great… to see two of the latest additions to Transport for Wales’s stock, part of our £800m investment to improve trains’ reliability and comfort”.

“There’s a real buzz about Wrexham these days.”

He added: “Rob and Ryan have put an incredible amount into the community and it’s fantastic that their contribution is being recognised with the new trains, which I’m sure every Wrexham fan will want to travel on whenever they can.”

Mr Skates said: “Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have opened a window to the world on Wrexham, its fantastic football club and the wider region. I’m delighted that we’re recognising this by naming two of our brand new, made-in-Wales trains in their honour.”

James Price, Transport for Wales chief executive, said: “We’re in the process of introducing brand-new trains across our Wales and Borders network… We’re proud to name our new trains after the home cities of Ryan and Rob.”

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Earlier this month, Deadpool star Reynolds said he cried “tears of joy” after Wrexham secured their second promotion in a row, while McElhenney, who co-created It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, said he had “no words”.

Fans poured on to the pitch to celebrate at the end of the game against Forest Green at the Racecourse Ground.

Wrexham were promoted to the Football League at the end of last season following a 15-year absence, with an open top bus parade which saw tens of thousands turn up to mark the achievement.

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