A STEAM train will go head-to-head with a classic car to raise thousands of pounds for Children in Need.

The train from Severn Valley Railway will take on the Morgan 3 Wheeler as part of a charity challenge time trial between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster at noon on Friday, October 26.

Sir Keith Park will be operated by Sky Sports presenter Vicky Gomersall while Coronation Street actor Tony Hirst, who plays fireman Paul Kershaw, will be on the road during the 16- mile challenge to raise cash for BBC Children In Need.

Event organiser John Leftwich of Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust said: “A time trial between a 130-ton steam locomotive and a 500kg car seems unfair but the steam train is restricted to 25mph on the track and the Morgan 3 Wheeler has more obstacles to contend with.

“We hope that as many people as possible will turn out to support our drivers along the route. Through ticket sales and collections, we’re hoping to raise £10,000 for this excellent charity.”

Dummy runs suggest the result will be very close. The train will be pulling eight carriages carrying customers, a Children in Need coach with children from Edward’s Trust in Birmingham and Pudsey Bear.

Each driver will have to collect traditional railway tokens along the route, which will involve the Morgan team jumping out at Highley and Arley stations and running over a bridge.

The winner, who will receive a trophy, will be the first person to hand their tokens to the stationmaster under the station clock .