A deal to secure the first Universal theme park in Europe has been closed by the UK government in the hope it will generate tens of billions of pounds for the economy.

The film giant confirmed earlier this week it had bought land near Bedford

Universal Orlando Resort has filed paperwork and pledged 13 acres for a commuter railway station which could link the seventh busiest airport in the US to the heart of the tourism district in one of the top travel destinations in the world.

The chairman of film studio Universal has described becoming a dame as “exceeding all expectations”, as she received her honour at Windsor Castle.