IF ambitious plans for a fundraising event with a difference get on track, East Lancashire will be the setting for a murder most foul.

And although determined to make it a success, organiser Mary Fish warned that the whole thing could go off the rails unless sponsorship from local businesses was secured.

Mary is organising a murder-mystery afternoon styled on Agatha Christie's Murder On the Orient Express.

But instead of the Orient Express, Mary, of Melia Close, Rawtenstall, is planning Murder on the Rossendale Express and has already shelled out £900 to rent out a recently-refurbished dining train from East Lancashire Railways.

Her idea involves a rendezvous at Rossendale Station for a champagne reception, before boarding the train as it whisks 96 passengers along the picturesque route from Rawtenstall to Bury. But as diners tuck into the gourmet food and enjoy the view, sinister events will unfold and end in murder.

The story-line gives a nod to Agatha Christie, but is actually written by Mary's daughter Anne-Marie and is set in the 1930s. A list of top actors from both stage and screen have been lined up, but to keep the mystery alive, Mary said the details will be under wraps until the event on September 22.

One confirmed name is Marc Finn, who plays Greg Turner in top radio soap the Archers -- although there would be trouble if he said no -- Mary is his mother-in-law.

As president of the Rawtenstall soroptomists, Mary has the privilege to name the charity which would benefit. The former Relate counsellor has chosen the Samaritans, in Burnley, and Rossendale Hospice.

Mary said: "I didn't want just another fundraising event where, after all the hard work put in, not that much money has been raised. This is ambitious but I want to raise £10,000 and we need corporate businesses to help sponsor it. It is costing £3,500 to run and although there is no problem selling 96 tickets at £50 a head, we want everything we make to go to the charities."

Mary said everyone will be dressed in 30s clothes and, to help her research the project, she popped down to Rossendale Station recently to see an American crew filming a re-make of the actual film.

She said: "It was absolutely wonderful and I hope ours will be just as good."

If anybody can help Mary, they can contact her on 01706 220487.