MAKE May a month to remember by winning a seaside trip by steam to Skegness.

MAKE May a month to remember by winning a seaside trip by steam to Skegness.

This fantastic seaside steam rail service to the Lincolnshire resort of Skegness will depart from Stevenage on Saturday, May 11. Enter our steam competition and you could be on board.

The Jolly Fisherman steam special, with its vintage 1950s and ’60s rail coaches hauled by historic steam locomotives, is to give passengers a nostalgic day out.

Heritage rail operator The Railway Touring Company has recruited two magnificent steam locomotives to haul The Jolly Fisherman.

As the train departs from Stevenage Britannia class Pacific No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell, built at Crewe in 1951, will be in charge. When the train reaches Sleaford No. 61994 The Great Marquess, built in 1937, will take over.

“This is a special treat for rail enthusiasts and day trippers alike,” said The Railway Touring Company’s MD Nigel Dobbing.

“We are delighted to have two superb locomotives of the steam era lined up for this journey.”

The Jolly Fisherman train takes its name from the classic railway poster of 1908, depicting a jolly fisherman along with the slogan ‘Skegness is SO Bracing’. With the advent of rail, the Lincolnshire fishing village became a popular seaside resort. Today, visitors still enjoy Skegness’ clock tower, seal sanctuary, pier, vast sandy beach with donkey rides and sticks of rock.

Passengers will also have the option of leaving the train at Wainfleet, where it is possible to visit Bateman’s Brewery, one of the country’s oldest family breweries based on an old windmill overlooking the River Steeping.

On board The Jolly Fisherman the service will be reminiscent of the golden age of rail travel. Morning coffee with a Danish pastry will be served to first class passengers and, on the return, a traditional afternoon tea with a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, jam and cream (£124 per person or family of four £317). Travellers who choose the standard £85pp fare (family £215) are welcome to bring along their own hampers though a buffet car will serve snacks and refreshments.

Premier dining is also an option and includes a full English breakfast and, later, a four course dinner silver served to you at your seat on board. For further details contact The Railway Touring Company, telephone 01553 661500 or log on to www.railwaytouring.co.uk

In conjunction with The Railway Touring Company, we have a family first class ticket worth £317 for The Jolly Fisherman on Saturday, May 11. For your chance to win please answer this question:

Which famous Oliver is the Britannia class Pacific No. 70013 named after?

A – Oliver Twist

B – Oliver Cromwell

C – Oliver Reed

Text TC TRAIN followed by your answer (A, B or C), and your name and postcode to 80058.

Texts cost £1, plus your standard network rate. Competition closes on Tuesday, April 16, at midday.

Usual promotion rules apply – visit www.thecomet24.co.uk Customer services 0844 3572403. The Railway Touring Company’s conditions of booking and travel apply. A family ticket is for two adults and two juniors aged 15 and under.