THE BRISTOL COAL-STONE HAUL

Friday 4 May 2007

THE BRISTOL COAL-STONE HAUL

Region & Route:: | Wales & Western: Wales & Borders; | Southern: Wessex; | Wales & Western; | Southern

In aid of the Railway Children charity, a group of Network Rail employees have organised a special rail tour around the Bristol area. The trip will give the public a rare opportunity to see parts of the railway that aren't usually visible The 'Bristol Coal-Stone Haul' will run on 3 June and will visit areas never usually seen by the public - such as Portbury, Tytherington and Westerleigh. Andy Spencer, one of the organisers, said: "This is a great opportunity for the public to see parts of the railway that are usually hidden away, as well as raise money for charity. "I'd like to thank all the industry partners who have helped to organize the trip - Network Rail, West Coast Railways, Class 50 Alliance, Serco, EWS, Bristol Port Company, Hanson and Cotswold Rail." Tickets cost £40 for adults and £25 for juniors; passengers will be able to join the train at Bristol Temple Meads. There are plenty of tickets still available. For further information, please email: BristolCoalStoneHaul@networkrail.co.uk

Notes to editors

If you would like a seat on this rare excursion, please send a cheque to: Railway Children, 40 Rosemount, Flax Bourton, Bristol, BS48 1UQ. Please enclose a self stamped addressed envelope and make cheques payable to "B’Ops Tour Group". The Haul has been organised by four members of Network Rail's operations team in Bristol. They are also taking part in this year's 'Three Peaks Challenge' in aid of the Railway Children Charity. This is a tough challenge which sees a climb of Snowdon, a 10 mile walk and climb of Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, all in 32 hours.

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