To celebrate 40 years since the passing of steam on the Mid-Cheshire Railway Line and the launch of Cheshire's Year of the Gardens, this year's Mid-Cheshire Steam Rail Day Special on Sunday 4 May will be named "The Cheshire Gardens Express".

The Steam Day Special, which is run by the Mid-Cheshire Community Rail Partnership, is sponsored by Macclesfield Borough Council. The train will be hauled by a fantastic steam locomotive - Stanier Black 5 45407. She will be one of the many guests visiting the county for Cheshire's Year of the Gardens - a year-long festival celebrating Cheshire as the foremost destination for garden lovers. The Cheshire Gardens Express starts its journey from Crewe and travels to
Altrincham via the Middlewich Branch - a line that has not seen a scheduled rail service for over 40 years.

The service then includes two return journeys between Altrincham and Chester calling at all intermediate stations including Mobberley, Knutsford and Plumley, returning from Altrincham to Crewe in the evening.

Organiser John Hulme says: "This is a fabulous nostalgic day out for all the family.  A chance for grandparents to relive the days of steam with their grandchildren and an opportunity to see the Cheshire countryside at its best."

A Mid-Cheshire round trip is £25 with Seniors and Juniors travelling at £20. A special Family Ticket is available at £50 allowing up to 2 adults and 2 children to travel.   For further details and to book tickets on-line, visit http://www.cheshiregardensexpress.org.uk/