A NATIONAL charity is on the right track for a huge cash boost thanks to a dedicated bunch of rail enthusiasts.

Over the past decade, congregational members of St James' Church, St James' Road, Blackburn, have arranged 25 special trips by train which have included one from Edinburgh to Tenby, and another from Newcastle to Exeter.

But, following the privatisation of the rail network, organisers of the ever popular St James' Day Tripper found there were too many agencies to speak to, and any hope of co-ordinating future trips would be virtually impossible.

That was until they were contacted by the Railway Children charity - which provides children's projects around the world with money and other help - asking for the well travelled parish's support.

Eric Bond, one of the organisers for the new trip, which will run to London Euston on November 15, said: "We were all a bit sad when we thought we had been on the last ever trip, but the plea from the Railway Children plucked at certain heart strings so we decided to start up the trip again, this time for charity."

The St James' Day Tripper Express will pick up passengers from Burnley, Accrington, Rishton, Blackburn, Cherry Tree, Bamber Bridge and Preston before heading to London. Trippers will be able to spend seven hours in the capital.

Tickets for the trip cost £25 for adults and £12.50 for children with all money raised donated to the Railway Children charity, which is run voluntarily.

For more information about the trip call 667803.

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