Return rail trip to capital for elderly

UP YOU GO: John Shirnack helps Nancy Brooks on to the train. PHOTOS/LYNDA FERINGA

Rest-home residents from Pahiatua and Dannevirke enjoyed a return train journey to Wellington yesterday without having to leave their seats.

Thanks to KiwiRail, the 33 residents were able to catch the train at Masterton and relax in their carriage without having to disembark in Wellington for a fresh carriage.

Volunteer John Shirnack, who accompanied around 20 residents from Waireka Rest Home in Pahiatua, said the travellers "absolutely loved" their day out.

The train ride was an annual affair, yesterday's being the third one, he said.

"KiwiRail was pretty good for us.

"And the lady on the train, she was lovely as well."

The happy tourists had arrived back in Masterton at about 3pm, with plans to make it back home for dinner after a short stop at a rest area on the way.