A NOSTALGIC train journey will run for the final time in Helsby this weekend, to mark 150 years of the village station.
On Saturday, in honour of Helsby Junction’s special anniversary, which celebrates 150 years since the opening of the Helsby to Hooton line, residents will get the chance to take a final journey on the now defunct route.
Merseyrail, Northern Rail and Arriva Trains Wales have joined forces with Cheshire West and Chester Council, and with volunteers from Little Sutton, Ellesmere Port and Helsby and Frodsham, to give passengers the chance to travel the line, which crosses the Halton Curve, for the very last time.
The route, which has not run for 20 years, will depart for the final time on Saturday morning to mark the special event, among a series of other commemorative activities.
A miniature steam engine will be on static display and visitors will get chance to explore a brand new anniversary garden.
In the meantime, a celebratory plaque erected by Llechwedd Slate Quarry at Blaenau Ffestiniog, which provided the slate for the original station roof, will be unveiled to provide a lasting memento to Helsby Station.
Other events going on will include a raffle draw, birthday cake and craft stalls where commemorative items will be available.
A vintage bus service and new Stagecoach bus will also be operating between Helsby and Ellesmere Port in the afternoon.
Michael Bewick, managing director of Llechwedd Quarry, said: “It is a real pleasure to link Blaenau Ffestiniog with enthusiasts from North West Wales and Cheshire via the Conwy Valley rail line from Llandudno Junction, also involving Arriva Trains Wales.
“The original Chester to Manchester line opened in 1852 and in 1863 it became Helsby Junction with the opening of the branch line to Hooton.
“We were delighted to be able to co-operate with marking this event,” he added.
