PENSIONERS have enjoyed a day out after being greeted by a town crier.

The group visited Brampton on Tuesday, October 4, and it was part of an initiative by Brampton businesses who had linked up with Stagecoach to encourage Carlisle pensioners to visit the town.

Pensioners were treated to a prize draw on the way to Brampton with cakes and food hampers among the goodies up for grabs.

And when they arrived the town crier, Brian Pease, was there to meet them and ring his bell in celebration. Other highlights included a range of discounts and offers available around Brampton, a local history talk and tours of St Martins church.

Carlisle pensioner Malcolm Brodie was one of those who travelled to Brampton and was pleased to win a cake from Kath Earl Bakery on the way. “I grew up in Brampton so I know it well. It’s a lovely town and winning a prize on the bus here certainly helps make it a nice day out,” he said.

Gill Munn came to Brampton for the day with her friend Linda Chandler.

She said: “We decided to come this morning to take advantage of the good weather. It is nice to be out and about."

Rob Jones, managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria, said: “We’re pleased that the pensioiners enjoyed their trip to Brampton and that we were able to help promote the town, its weekly market and great businesses.

“This shows how bus travel can play its part in encouraging people to visit Cumbria’s market towns.

"We hope Brampton businesses might repeat the idea and perhaps other towns could learn from this to encourage more visitors.”