A TRAIN carrying a team of Royal Navy sailors on a fundraising mission was escorted through the region by two military helicopters.

The sailors from 815 Squadron were dropped off by Lynx helicopter at the top of the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle yesterday (Monday, March 23), before beginning their 332-mile journey back to their base in Yeovilton, Somerset, by Friday with no money and limited resources.

As part of their challenge, which will raise money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), the team worked alongside Virgin Trains East Coast staff in Newcastle to help load passengers’ luggage and catering supplies, before heading south on the train through Darlington to York, escorted by two military helicopters.

Virgin Trains East Coast managing director David Horne said: “When we heard about the team’s mission to raise money for such a good cause we wanted to do all we could to help – and the helicopter escort was a great bonus for our customers.

“A key part of the challenge was that the sailors had to earn their passage on our train to York, and so they helped to load passengers’ luggage and our catering supplies on-board at Newcastle before heading to York.

“The train is always the fastest way from Newcastle to York, and having completed their tasks, we were delighted to welcome the team on-board as our guests and wish them every success with the rest of their fundraising challenge.”

To follow the team’s progress or to set a challenge, search 815 Squadron Return to Base Challenge on Facebook, visit virginmoneygiving.com/team/815rtbchallenge or follow @815RTB on Twitter.