PENSIONER Iris Webb gave a boost to Bury Hospice after building up a head of steam with her railway trips aboard the prestigious Northern Belle.

Last year, Iris (75), of Fusilier Court, Bury, organised a trip on the train to Belvoir Castle for members of Bury Luncheon Club.

Stoked up by the success of the venture, she put out a call for others to come aboard this year, for a trip to Alnwick in Northumbria.

It was so successful that Iris had to hire out the whole train for 215 day-trippers, who set off from Manchester's Picadilly Station. Passengers were kept entertained by a jazz band, and a raffle for Bury Hospice.

Along with raffle organiser Graham Evans, Iris presented a cheque for £500 to Mervyn Reeves and Elizabeth Houghton from the hospice.

Iris, a former civil servant, said: "Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the day and wants to have another trip next year. I've already got 120 names.

"I've been organising all my life. I like a challenge and can't just sit around. Since I retired, organising trips like this has been my hobby."