CANCER Research UK's Wyre Forest branch is steaming towards a record year following a massive £25,000 donation from train enthusiasts.

The money was presented after one of Severn Valley Railway's locomotives was used to pull the Orient Express for a surprise charity event.

The journey, from London to Paignton, was organised to mark the retirement of Britain's "Mr Steam", Bernard Staite, from Lichfield, who persuaded British Rail to put steam back on the main line in 1971 for special excursions.

Branch co-ordinator, Margaret Griffin, said: "It was a wonderful surprise to receive such a large amount of money from one event and we are extremely grateful."