Car-rail challenge raises £5,000 for good causes

A time trial between two Midland engineering icons has raised more than £5,000 for charity.

A race between a Morgan 3 Wheeler and a steam train on the Severn Valley Railway between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster saw Sky Sports presenter Vicky Gomersall on the footplate of locomotive Sir Keith Park, while Coronation Street actor Tony Hirst, who plays fireman Paul Kershaw, hit the road in the Morgan.

Mr Hirst was the first to arrive under the Kidderminster station clock, five minutes ahead of the train.

Money raised from the event will go to the BBC Children in Need appeal.

John Leftwich of the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust said: “This has been a hugely enjoyable event to stage and we’ve enjoyed massive support from our celebrities and the local community.

“We’re still collecting money but I’m confident we’ll have raised more than £5,000.”