IT was full steam ahead for dozens of brave children who had a day out to remember with the launch of special train trips.

The youngsters, who are all patients at Birmingham Children's Hospital, were able to invite friends, brothers and sisters to join them on the Severn Valley Railway from Kidderm-inster and balloons and bubbles were among the gifts they received on their special day.

The day out was a dream come true for six-year-old Daniel Lane from Foley Park, Kidderminster.

Daniel, who has been receiving treatment for leukaemia, was invited onto the footplate to take the controls with the help of SVR volunteer fireman Robert Drew.

His dad, Stephen, said: "He has been a very brave little boy and this trip has been a real treat for him as well as his sister, Sophie, and brother John."

The day out was sponsored by Fantasy Flight, a British Airways, Birmingham, staff charity.

BA workers based at Birmingham International Airport collected more than £4,000 from a fund-raising day to pay for the trip.

The event was also boosted by the Honey Tub children's charity set up in memory of three-year-old Jonathan Deakin, of Telford, who died earlier this year of a brain tumour.

Helen Costello, hospital play services specialist, said: "The whole day was fantastic and the children had so much fun we are now hoping to make it a regular event."