A FREE road train linking Fleetwood's Freeport village and the town itself has been launched from the shopping village with VIP passengers.

It is the first venture of its kind in the UK, consisting of a tractor-style engine and two carriages.

Up to 100 people can ride the train (pictured) at any one time that meanders along at 10mph.

However, everything didn't run exactly to plan, as the original driver didn't turn up, threatening the long awaited hand over of the train from Freeport Leisure Plc to the town.

But the day's events were rescued by Roger Whiteman, Wyre's Environmental Health Officer and PCV licence holder, who explained: "It is no secret that I hold a PCV licence and I was more than happy to oblige and help out. It shows the council's commitment to the scheme.

"Although I had never driven anything like the train before, it was straight forward and went very well."

Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Joan Humble, while waiting to board the train, advocated she was in full favour of the new link adding: "It is an exciting new development which is hoped to encourage the thousands of Freeport visitors to explore the rest of the town and its attractions."

Mayor of Wyre Bob Sharrock, was also present at the launch and said: "It is a very good idea and will help boost tourism in Fleetwood. I'm sure it will be successful."

Freeport's chief executive Sean Collidge said: "It will be great fun for the tourists who come here and is sure to be used by local people who can hop on and off."

The train will leave Freeport every hour and travel along Lord Street near Preston Street and Fleetwood markets Adelaide Street entrance.

It will also stop at Ferry Dock, the Pier, Marine Gardens, Carr Road, Dronsfield Road, Manor Road and Beach Road.

It will run daily between July 18 and August 31 and then every weekend until September 27.

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