Journeying along the South Devon coast, a three-carriage train and all abord, raised money for charity last weekend. 

The train passengers each paid £30, which went towards the Stroke association. There was also raffles and entertainment throughout the day, to which the proceeds were donated to the cause. 

Chloe White,  from the Four stroke Explorer team said ‘We are really pleased to announce that we have raised £5002.74 from our wonderful rail tour on Saturday 14th October in aid of Stroke Association. 

‘Our rail tour travelled on the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway, over rare lines which aren’t used by passenger services. 

‘The train, train crew and ground staff were provided to us at no cost by the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company.’ 

The rail tour was announced on August 1st, with an allocation of 130 tickets, within 10 days all 130 tickets had sold out. Chloe explained that the team were joined by friends and family who volunteered to help make the train run smoothly.

They were also joined by a representative from the Stroke Association and by Tim Dunn, Railway Historian and TV presenter, who has filmed many hours of footage of the day from various aspects which will be published on his YouTube in the coming weeks. 

Tim Dunn said, in a tweet, after the event: ‘On Saturday I had the privilege of witnessing the joy & charity which can occur when railway people unite for a common cause.’

The event ‘Four Stroke Explorers’ is the second time the train has taken to the tracks to complete the trip. There was a variety of special trains involved in Saturday’s expedition. 

The locomotives used are as follows:

• Class 37 NOG975

• Class 03 D2192

• Class 03 03371

• Class 08 NOD3014

Neil George, an attendee of Saturdays event, expressed his joy: ‘A cracking day out which did everything is was booked too. Very enjoyable with good weather and company. Super raffle and the day was very well organised and good to see a lot of money was raised for charity’