A GROUP of 160 people enjoyed a luxurious rail journey to Bath as part of St Richard's Hospice's 30th anniversary celebrations.

The hospice chartered a trip on the Northern Belle train from Shrub Hill on Saturday (September 20).

This transported people to the spa town in the lap of luxury in a 1930s inspired train.

Tricia Cavell from the hospice said the trip, which set off from Malvern, was "a special experience".

She said: "It was absolutely fantastic, a great day.

"The service was great and everybody really enjoyed themselves and everyone was raving about it.

"It was a really special experience and marked our celebrations of 30 years of care from St Richard's.

"We welcomed guests from across Worcestershire and beyond."

One of the train passengers was Bryan Leather from Bredon, who signed up for the journey along with five friends.

Bryan’s daughter, Sarah, was cared for by the hospice before her death in 2011, and his wife, Cynthia, during her illness in 2012.

Mrs Cavell, the hospice's fundraising director, welcomed the support of Bryan and all the passengers who had helped raise cash for the cause.

She said: "There were lots of people that had their own reasons and situations for wanting to support the hospice.

"We've been celebrating the anniversary this year and there have been events that have been free, but this was quit e an expensive one."

St Richard’s Hospice provides palliative care for more than 2,500 patients and members of their family in Worcestershire.

Its next fundraising event is the Snowdrop Ball on Saturday, November 22.

To book tickets for the ball, call the hospice on 01905 763963, email enquiries@strichards.org.uk or visit strichards.org.uk/