THE Railway Mission launched its calendar in Chester-le-Street this week.

Historically it could be argued the town is the birthplace of Christianity, being the place where the bible was first translated and where St Cuthbert's body was kept for 100 years, before being taken to Durham.

So Chester-le-Street railway station was a fitting venue for the Railway Mission to launch its 2004 calendar on Monday.

The Railway Mission, represents chaplains who work around the country's railways.

The 26,500 copies of the calendar will be sent to station offices, signal boxes and booking offices around the country. As well as raising awareness of the organisation, it will also raise funds. It was sponsored by the Go Ahead transport group and Chester-le-Track, the independent company that runs the town's station.

Station master Alex Nelson was at the launch, having just returned from a pilgrimage with the Bishop of Durham around the diocese.