THE world-famous Orient Express is set to bring its latest train, the Northern Belle, to Blackburn - thanks to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Throughout the history of rail travel, the Orient Express has been synonymous with luxury and quality, but the train has never made a stop at Blackburn's station - until now.

Victoria Singleton, holiday promotions co-ordinator at the Evening Telegraph, has worked tirelessly to arrange for the luxury steam engine to call in at Blackburn station on Saturday, July 16, 2005, to pick up passengers from across East Lancashire for a four-hour countryside excursion.

Victoria said: "We have been dealing with the Orient Express since early this year, but our clients could only get on the train at Bolton, Preston or Manchester.

"Because of the interest these trips received, we asked the Orient Express to offer a Blackburn stop, for the first time ever. They have just agreed to the date, which funnily enough coincides with the start of Blackburn's summer holidays.

"We are absolutely thrilled we can now offer a stop for our readers at Blackburn and it is great that the Orient Express is finally going to recognise Blackburn and East Lancashire passengers."

Leaving Blackburn station at 7.45pm, guests will be treated to a champagne reception before a four-course dinner with wine and coffee is served. The journey will follow a loop around the countryside, before the evening ends again in Blackburn.

Howard Barclay, sales manager for the Orient Express, said he was thrilled to be able to offer the people of East Lancashire a place on the inaugural Blackburn departure.

He said: "This is a real coup for Blackburn and we hope that it will become an annual stop."

For more information call Victoria on 01254 298366.