MORE than 400 passengers climbed aboard the Two Roses express steam train to celebrate the Liverpool and Manchester Railway's 175th anniversary.

The train set off from Liverpool Lime Street, calling at Rainhill station en route to Manchester before travelling to York.

Councillor Marie Rimmer, leader of St Helens Council, met passengers and train enthusiasts at Rainhill.

She said: "I am a great steam train fan and it's been a real pleasure to welcome people here for this historic and memorable occasion."

Rainhill was the site of the 1829 Rainhill Trials won by George Stephenson and his Rocket train and the Trials exhibition is staged in a British Railways Mark One carriage in the grounds of Rainhill Library.

Containing sketches and accounts of the trials with original memorabilia, it looks at the development of steam locomotives and the role of the Liverpool/Manchester route in the growth of the region.