THE first-ever national celebration of rural railways will take place on Saturday.

National Community Rail Day aims to encourage people to use their local railway lines.

All over the country, events will be taking place on rural railways.

The Penistone Line - between Huddersfield and Sheffield - will be no exception.

The Penistone Line Partnership - the non- profit-making company which promotes the line- has joined forces with operators Northern Rail, Metro and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive to stage a series of events.

These will include an on-train treasure hunt between Barnsley and Huddersfield.

Clues sheets will be available from PLP stands at Huddersfield or Barnsley stations, from stewards on the trains, or from www.penline. demon.co.uk

The prize for the winner is a cab ride over the Penistone Line with partnership chairman Neil Bentley.

Mr Bentley is urging people to visit the towns along the Penistone Line.

He said: "There is lots going on. Come and give your railway a try!"

On Saturday, the line's resident jazz band, The Train Gang, will entertain crowds at Barnsley Interchange.

Northern Rail is also running a prize draw to win a ticket for a year.

Entry leaflets are available from partnership stands or on Penistone Line trains.

Northern Rail is also offering 50% discounted fares on certain trains before 10.30am and after 4pm.

For further information, visit www.penline.demon. co.uk or call 01226 370338.