A HERITAGE railway has announced plans for a fundraising day to increase a five-year-old girl's chances of surviving a rare cancer.

There will no charge for travelling on Wensleydale Railway trains on Saturday, May 18.

Instead, volunteers will collect donations for the Fraja Ellie Appeal.

The family of the Leeming RAF Primary School pupil has less than four months to raise £500,000 to fund treatment in the US to reduce her chances of a relapse.

Wensleydale Railway general manager Nigel Park said: “We are very happy to support this appeal, particularly in view of the tremendous support we have had from the community towards the repair costs of our recent landslip.

“It’s good to be able to support a very worthy local cause. The owners of the locomotives in use on the day have also agreed to waive their hire charges, and the company will cover other operating costs, so that we can put the maximum amount towards the day’s total.”

A number of other fundraising activities will be held on the day, including a tombola and raffle.

There will be three departures from Leeming Bar on the day. The 10am and 3pm trains are scheduled to be steam hauled by Class J72 number 69023 courtesy of the North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group, and the noon train is planned to be diesel hauled by Class 14 number 9516, courtesy of Tim Williamson. Wensleydale Railway staff will be giving their time free of charge.

Volunteers and representatives of the appeal will be on hand to receive donations and help with the running of the event.