FAMILIES in debt are being offered free trips on a steam railway.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is distributing 30 family tickets to people who use its free debt counselling service in Keighley and Craven for the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.

The charity’s Debt Centres in Keighley and Skipton have both opened in the last 12 months and are run by volunteers from Keighley Shared Church and Skipton Baptists’ Church.

Duncan Green, Keighley CAP Debt Centre manager, said the charity was delighted to receive the railway’s latest support, following its recent donation of tickets for Santa trains.

He said: “Some of the people and families we visit haven’t dared to leave their homes because of their debt problems let alone think about a day out.

“It’ll be great to be able to offer some light relief to some of the most needy people in Keighley and Skipton.”

Mr Green said the Debt Centre teams in each area visited every client in their home.

Meanwhile, CAP’s head office negotiates a reduction in each person’s debts and set up a repayment plan, with volunteers offering support to each person until they become debt free.

Stephen Walker, business manager for the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, said: “You don’t have to walk around Skipton and Keighley very long to realise that debt and poverty affect both communities, so when I heard about the work of CAP in both towns I was quick to offer our support.”

“I know we are only helping in a small way, but if we have brought a modicum of happiness into the lives of 30 families in 2017, then we’ve played our part in giving something back to the community.”

Mr Green urged people in to get in touch with the Debt Centres before Christmas if they knew their finances were already out of control and they were getting bailiffs or threatening letters.

He added: “A quick phone call and you’ll have set the wheels in motion. Every day we’re celebrating people going debt free and we want you to be one of those.”

Anyone who wants debt help can call 0800 3280006 or visit capuk.org to find out about both debt counselling and money management courses.

Bradford-based Christians Against Poverty works to reduce hardship in the UK through churches and runs more than 500 debt help services.