Avanti West Coast and Alstom are offering enthusiasts the chance to get their hands on some sought after railway artefacts to help raise money for a Crewe-based charity.

Two Super Voyager nameplates and a pair of Crewe Station signs are up for grabs, the proceeds of the auction going to the charity Railway Benefit Fund, which is based on Nantwich Road.

The nameplates, 'Bombardier Voyager', were previously carried by Super Voyager 221142, clocking up several million miles in service up and down the West Coast Main Line. Rail manufacturer Alstom acquired Bombardier Transportation earlier his year.

The small Crewe signs, measuring approximately 940mm x 320mm also saw many years use at a station familiar to so many rail travellers.

Alstom is also offering enthusiasts the chance to bid for a midweek guided tour of Central Rivers, with two groups of four people on offer. Proceeds will go toward the charity which supports railway people and their families.

The president of the Railway Benefit Fund, music impresario Pete Waterman, attended the launch at Alstom's Central Rivers facility, which is home to the Super Voyager Fleet.

He said: "It was an honour to visit Central Rivers and meet with the teams from Alstom and Avanti West Coast who have kindly donated Voyager nameplates and Crewe signs for us to auction. We are so grateful for their support.

"The money we raise from this auction will allow us to support even more of our railway family and colleagues who are going through tough times.

"Every seven minutes somebody in rail reaches out to us for help and advice and we need to be there for them."

Gus Dunster, Executive Director Operations and Safety at Avanti West Coast, added: "Modern day railway memorabilia is incredibly popular right now. So we're keeping our fingers crossed these items will help raise some much needed funds for a charity so close to our hearts."

Peter Broadley, Managing Director, Services for Alstom said: "The Railway Benefit Fund do such great work to support our people and the wider industry. It's a pleasure to be involved with a worthwhile cause and I'm sure the auction will be a great success."