Railway enthusiasts flock to Banbury to watch as 50-year-old train sets off on farewell journey

The train, which has carried customers up and down the country for 50 years, will be retired by Chiltern Railways at the end of March.

To celebrate the Mark III’s history, Chiltern Railways and the Branch Line Society organised a special farewell trip along its line between London Marylebone and the West Midlands.

Around 250 passengers were lucky enough to bag tickets for the unique trip before it sold out within 24 hours. Some enthusiasts were even fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to enter the driver's cab before the train set off from Banbury.

In total, £20,000 was raised from the one-off trip, which will be donated to the Railway Children charity. The charity supports vulnerable children on the streets and on the rail network in the UK, Tanzania, and India.

Richard Allan, managing director of Chiltern Railways, said: “I am delighted that £20,000 was raised for Railway Children, which is a charity close to my heart. It is the perfect way to celebrate these iconic coaches, which have served our customers well for many years.

“I am looking forward to the future, as we are replacing these coaches with the modern Chiltern Explorer trains, which will significantly improve journeys for our customers.”

The Mark III coaches, which have served Chiltern Railways' customers since 2010, are being replaced by the operator's newest Mark 5A trains – recently named the ‘Chiltern Explorer’ fleet.

Jack Miller, group director of fundraising and marketing, at Railway Children, said: “We are overwhelmed once again by the generosity of the railway family.

“Chiltern Railways are such dedicated supporters of our cause and these funds, from such a special occasion, will ensure some of the world's most vulnerable children will wake up to brighter futures.