THE lap of luxury beckons for rail passengers when all climb aboard Worcester's answer to the Orient Express to mark a city hospice's 30th anniversary.

More than 120 people have already signed up to climb aboard the gleaming Northern Belle luxury train, a sister train of Venice Simplon Orient-Express, which is being exclusively chartered by St Richard’s Hospice to celebrate the charity's milestone.

Rachel Jones and Emma Grainger, recently swapped a day in the St Richard’s Hospice Fundraising office for the high life, as part of the planning and research for the St Richard’s Northern Belle trip on Saturday, September 20. They received complimentary tickets to go on board and discover more about the whole experience, in preparation for the hospice trip.

Fundraising Manager Rachel Jones said: “We knew it was going to be a fabulous day… but we can honestly say that the experience far-exceeded every expectation. From the welcome we received at the train station, to the magnificent interiors of the train and the amazing food, everything was just perfect and made for a truly magical and memorable day”

Emma Grainger said: “We truly did not want to get off the train - it was such a fantastic day. The staff were so friendly and the food and drink just kept flowing all day. We can’t wait to go on board again in September and welcome our St Richard’s Hospice guests for our trip to Bath.”

Guests will embark in Worcester and enjoy a glass of Bellini and a delicious brunch travelling in the lap of luxury to the historic city of Bath. Returning on the train in the early evening guests will be served a delicious three course meal, champagne and wine whilst gliding through the countryside.

Tickets on the train are £380 per person and sponsorship packages available.

For more information and to watch a short film of Rachel and Emma’s trip go to www.strichards.org.uk/northernbelle or please contact Rachel Jones or email rjones@strichards.org.uk