IT will be a case of “rock and rail” at the East Lancashire Railway this weekend when members of the UK’s largest choir steam into action.

To help the ELR’s £340,000 bid to buy the magnificent ‘City of Wells’ steam locomotive, local members of Rock Choir will be performing at locations along the ELR’s 12-mile route.

More than 200 members will be doing more than the ‘Loco-Motion’ to keep visitors entertained on Saturday and Sunday, and it is hoped their efforts will help the ELR achieve its dream of owning the heritage engine before the end of the year.

Rock Choir leader, Maxine Cherrie, said, “My Rock Choir members are delighted to be supporting the East Lancashire Railway.”

She added: “We will be singing a selection of well-known, uplifting songs in various venues along the route and I am really excited to see this important project come together.”

Apart from performing at Bolton Street Station itself, the choir, which is the UK’s largest contemporary choir, will be providing entertainment at the Hearth of the Ram in Ramsbottom, The Firepit Restaurant in Rawtenstall and Bold Street Station, the Brown Cow and The Trackside Pub in Bury.

Mike Kelly, ELR chairman, said: “We would like to thank Greater Manchester Rock Choir for supporting our fundraising campaign to give iconic steam engine, City of Wells, a forever home at our railway.”

He added: “We are delighted to host the choir and hope that our passengers will enjoy the marvellous entertainment on offer throughout the weekend and pledge their support to our project.”

* Since it started in 2005, Rock Choir has helped raise millions of pounds for charity through its performances and social events. It has released two top twenty albums, achieved three Guinness World Records and was the subject of the popular 3-part ITV1 documentary 'The Choir That Rocks'.

It has more than 27,000 members in over 380 local communities. There are no auditions and no requirements to read music or have any previous singing experience. Rock Choir members get together each week to attend fun, friendly rehearsals where they are taught specially arranged pop and chart songs.

For a free taster session, for more information about times and venue details go to www.rockchoir.com or call 01252 714 276.