Full steam ahead for record breakers

ALL aboard . . . Prince’s Trust volunteers with families from OSCA (Oldham Support Group for Carers in Autism), about to board a steam train on the East Lancs Railway

 A GROUP of 12 young volunteers from across Oldham have smashed the record for the amount of money raised by a Groundwork Prince’s Trust team.

The tireless group raised more than £1,100 with a variety of fundraising initiatives over the 13-week scheme.

They included a sponsored walk at Dovestone reservoir, a car wash and a bag-pack at the Tesco superstore, Huddersfield Road.

Some of the proceeds helped pay for a regeneration project at Holy Trinity Church.

Organisers treated a handful of families to a day out as a reward for raising so much cash.

Excited youngsters and their families from Oldham Support Group for Carers in Autism (OSCA) got the chance to board a steam train and enjoy a ride on the East Lancs Railway.

They were then taken on a trip to Bury Transport Museum, accompanied by the young fundraisers.

The Prince’s Trust team programme, which boosts the confidence and enhances the future prospects of unemployed 16 to 25-year-olds, is now in its 14th year. More than 2,500 local young people have so far taken part.

Nikki Burnhope (24), from Littlemoor, said: “We worked together and smashed the record by over £400.

“When I added it all up I was very surprised at how much we raised. Everyone’s delighted with our efforts.”