A YORK-BASED travel company is taking its services "on tour" in a bid to champion rail travel.

Arriva Trains Northern (ATN) is embarking on a major campaign to promote travel by rail, and bosses hope that appearing at a number of key events in North Yorkshire will help give it a "platform".

The company, which has headquarters at Station Rise, operates about 1,400 services every day across the north of England.

Company chiefs will appear at the Malton Show on June 26, the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate, on July 8, 9 and 10, and the Evening Press-sponsored Yorkshire Air Show Elvington, York, on August 24 - all to encourage more people to consider travelling by train.

Dyan Crowther, ATN's commercial director, said: "Unfortunately, some people have a very negative perception of rail travel.

"But the reality of the experience for the vast majority of our 100,000 plus customers each day is now one of a reliable and punctual service.

"Indeed, our latest figures for April show that over 99 per cent of our trains ran. Through the roadshow we want to show that rail is an option that people should consider for both business and leisure travel.

"We will be handing out information on the wide range of services we operate as well as details on our exciting campaigns which offer great savings for our customers."

Meanwhile, ATN employees in York who "dressed daft" at the city's station have helped raise more than £1,700 for a children's charity.

They cast aside their suits and uniforms for a day in favour of a range of outrageous costumes, at venues including York Station, to give a boost to the Railway Children charity.

The charity helps destitute youngsters found around the world's railway stations.

Rail enthusiasts wanting to take a look at the historic ship HMS Endeavour, currently moored at Whitby, can take advantage of a special train service.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is putting on a 10.20am steam service from Pickering to Whitby today and tomorrow.

Updated: 09:29 Monday, May 26, 2003