DESPITE it being not the best of days, the appearance of Tornado on the Settle to Carlisle line was a treat for those who had gathered for a Macmillan coffee morning in Bell Busk.

Bob and Sheila Marchant, whose bed and breakfast, The Old Station in on the railway line, organised their fundraising event to coincide with the steam locomotive’s trip to the Dales.

As well as the usual teas, coffees and cakes, guests were treated to the sight of the Peppercorn class A1 Pacific 4-6-2 passing by on its way from Skipton to Settle.

Bob said, “We raised around £400 and had a fantastic time. I was shocked and delighted at the amount of people who turned up to support us. I’m very fortunate that I’ve never had a personal experience of Macmillan services, but we all know what a fantastic job they do.

“I was thinking about running a coffee morning and we’re lucky to have this facility and be able to invite people into our home. When I saw the Tornado was coming through it seemed to be the perfect marriage. But for the Flying Scotsman, the Tornado is possibly one of the most famous steam engines. It made our coffee morning stand out a little bit and we are thrilled so many turned up to support us.”

Adele Burrough, Macmillan’s fundraising manager in North Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted that everybody had such a fantastic time at what is certainly one of the most unique coffee mornings we’ve seen held this year.

“The support of Bob, Sheila and their guests is hugely appreciated, as their efforts have gone a long way in helping Macmillan be there for people living with cancer, especially during what are still uncertain times.”