Steam train lovers can enjoy an Orient Express-style journey through the beautiful landscape of the North York Moors - and raise cash for a good cause at the same time.

York rail enthusiast John Rathmell has organised a special "Pudsey's Pullman Luncheon" trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway as part of this year's efforts for the Children in Need Appeal.

All he needs now is enough people to fill the coaches of the steam-hauled full Pullman set which the railway is providing for the return trip between Grosmont and Pickering on Saturday.

There are 14 places left out of 55 for the full treatment of a scenic journey and a three-course meal en-route, with an executive coach from York to Grosmont and back, all at a cost of £35.

But Mr Rathmell needs another 50 travellers, who have the chance to make the round trip through the Moors in the luxury of a Pullman car for just £8.90, as long as they can make their own way to and from Grosmont and are prepared to go without the meal.

He said all the profits from the trip would go to Children in Need, and praised the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and York-based coach firm JR Travel for offering their services. "I think it's a marvellous gesture," he said.

Anyone who wants to make the trip should contact Mr Rathmell on 01904-349191. The train will leave Grosmont at 11.50am and set off back from Pickering at 1.20pm. The coach for the passengers having a meal is due to leave Exhibition Square in York at about 9.45am to 10am; people who have booked will receive notification of the exact departure time.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.