TWO rail companies have raised over £3,800 for a Crewe-based charity by auctioning off railway memorabilia.

Two nameplates, previously carried by one of the Super Voyager fleet, and a pair of Crewe Station signs were snapped up by rail enthusiasts after being put up for bidding by Avanti West Coast and Alstom.

All the proceeds went to the Railway Benefit Fund and helped the charity, located in offices on Nantwich Road, to meet its £40,000 Christmas appeal target.

Railway Benefit Fund President Pete Waterman said: "A very special thank you to all the bidders and especially the winners. Thanks too to Avanti West Coast and Alstom.

"It was the perfect timing in the run up to Christmas when we needed support the most."

The nameplates, 'Bombardier Voyager', proved extremely popular with the four-figure winning bids reflecting the growing popularity of modern railway artefacts.

The final sum raised was £3,877.

Gus Dunster, Executive Director Operations and Safety at Avanti West Coast, said: "Its great we've been able to find these items a good home and in the process raise some much needed funds for a charity so close to our hearts."

Peter Broadley, Managing Director, Services for Alstom said: "We knew the auction would be popular, but it's exceeded all our expectations, and for a great cause too."