VILLAGERS have organised a festive steam train trip to raise cash for improvements to their 18th century community hall.

Surveyors deemed the village hall in Bulkington unsafe for public use after studying the floorboards and closed the hall 10 weeks ago.

Fundraisers have successfully collected enough money to replace the floor but are now holding a Christmas steam train ride to make sure the hall opens.

Nev Boulton, chairman of Bulkington village hall, said: "We have just about enough money to fix the floor and get our insurance back so we can use our hall again.

"But we don't have enough money to fit a new ring main, fix the plaster or re-decorate.

"It has amazed me that so many young people and old age pensioners have joined forces to save the hall it is a real village effort."

The steam train rides begin at 3pm on December 20, running until 7.30pm, taking in 1,000ft of track and a number of tunnels.

Children will also get the chance to meet Father Christmas and his elves and can buy Christmas cards depicting scenes of Bulkington.

Tickets for the steam train can be booked by calling Nev Boulton on (01380) 828101.