A SPECIAL train journey could prove just the ticket for charity when the Spring Scenic Settler trip takes place on Saturday.

The special event marks a joint venture between Stroud-based charity Meningitis Now and Woodchester-based Pathfinder Tours, with the aim of raising money and awareness of the disease.

Passengers will board the train at Swindon, Kemble, Stroud, Stonehouse and Cheltenham Spa and enjoy a 600-mile day trip which will include a full English breakfast, elevenses and a four-course dinner.

The menu, inspired by Gloucestershire produce, is being prepared by Cotswold chef Rob Rees.

The train travels up to the Lake District and Morecambe Bay before a two-hour stop in Carlisle.

The return journey will take in the spectacular scenery of the Settle to Carlisle railway line.

Along the way there’ll be a raffle, and awareness stands and collections.

Money from the event will go towards Meningitis Now, the organisation formed by last year’s merger of the Meningitis Trust and Meningitis UK.

Charity founder Steve Dayman, who launched the UK’s meningitis movement after losing his baby son to the disease in 1982, said: “Every penny raised from the raffle and collections will help us continue to fund pioneering vaccine research to wipe out the disease.”

Tickets start from £79 for adults and £39 for children, with premier dining tickets costing £199 and £169. See pathfindertours.co.uk