THE first direct train from Burnley to Manchester in a generation departed on Sunday - raising cash for charities along the way.

In support of the Mayor of Burnley’s Charity Appeal, Northern Rail operated a special service on Sunday, giving 70 people from the area chance to be the first since the 1970s to travel from the town to Manchester without changing trains.

Kathleen Birtwistle had organised the trip to take place months ago, anticipating that the Todmorden Curve, which will mean regular direct trains to Manchester, would have been open.

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However, due to the delay in the line being operational, the trip would not have been able to take place without special arrangements.

Northern Rail made sure the trip could still go ahead by running a ‘special’ service from Burnley Manchester Road to Manchester Victoria via Hebden Bridge.

The trip raised money for Pendleside Hospice, The Christie Hospice and homeless charity Emmaus.

Kathleen Birtwistle, said: “The support from Northern Rail to make this trip happen has been amazing, along with David Fishwick from Bank of Dave who sponsored our return coach.

“The day-trippers not only had a unique rail experience by being the first to enjoy a journey from Burnley to Manchester without having to change trains for many years, but also enjoyed coffee at the Hilton Hotel, optional beauty treatment at Clarins of House of Fraser, and visits to the Military Hospital and Imperial War Museum.

“We also had some free time in Manchester to soak up the atmosphere at the Christmas Markets – rounding off a thoroughly enjoyable day that most importantly raised funds of very worthy causes.”

Craig Harrop, client and stakeholder Manager for Northern, said: “When we realised the charity train trip would be jeopardised we had to step in to see if we could still make it happen so the charities wouldn’t suffer.

“It took a lot of planning but it was worth it.”

The Todmorden Curve, meaning a faster Blackburn and Burnley to Manchester route was initially put back from May 2014 to December 2014 because of a lack of rolling stock.

This has been postponed until May because signalling work is incomplete.