Faith

People are being encouraged to let the train take the strain for a tour of some of the most stunning churches in Norfolk and parts of Suffolk.

The church rail trail will be the subject of a specially-produced brochure to be stocked at the county's stations and a downloadable guide available on operator One Railway's website.

The trail will run for 12 months, with travellers able to benefit from a range of incentives which will increase according to the number of churches they visit.

The trail was launched in Norwich

People can get on track with the church tours from Monday, 30 October, 2007. The scheme is available on on three train routes: Norwich to Great Yarmouth, Norwich to Lowestoft and Norwich to Sheringham.

There are 21 churches situated close to stops on the routes including Cromer's majestic St Peter and Paul, St Mary's in the broadland village of Wroxham and the country's biggest parish church, St Nicholas in Great Yarmouth.

Archdeacon of Norfolk David Hayden said the service is a boost to East Anglia's church community.

"Norfolk has 659 medieval churches - the largest concentration in the world. The Diocese of Norwich, which includes part of Suffolk covered by the Wherry Line, is also a fine resource for wonderful church buildings," he said.

"I am delighted that One Railway are coming into partnership with us in this church rail trail to enable more people to have the opportunity to visit these historic churches."

The church rail trail is the latest special initiative run by the train operator, following on from its tea rooms and real ale trails.