Avanti West Coast model auctioned for children's charity

 Sporting the new livery, the money raised will go towards Action for Children. Bids can be made via the charity’s eBay site on https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193321784989. The auction is live and ends on 7 February.

Mounted on a wooden plinth, the Class 390 model Pendolino comprises of a leading carriage and one trailer carriage. The opening price is £249.99.

Action for Children is the employee chosen charity of Avanti West Coast’s co-owner FirstGroup, and proceeds from the sale will go towards their partnership, which provides mental health support for vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the UK.

As the new livery gradually appears on trains across the Avanti West Coast network, Hornby are taking pre-orders for the model versions. They are expected to be available from December 2020.

Richard Scott, Partnership and Strategy Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “This marks the start of Avanti West Coast’s partnership with this very worthy cause. We are very much looking forward to working with Action for Children and this fabulous auction will hopefully kick off lots of fundraising in the coming months.”

Ermelinda Ceci, Senior Corporate Development Executive, Action for Children, said: “We're so excited to be working with Avanti West Coast as part of our partnership with FirstGroup. Auctioning this incredible model train set will mean that our partnership, which supports young people on their journey to better mental health, will be able to help even more children have a safe and happy childhood.”