IT’S a popular attraction at charity events and fetes across the south.

Roy Rogers has been touring the area with his land train Trigger to help raise money for charities and organisations for 24 years.

Now he has been nominated for the Daily Echo’s Community Star campaign which recognises those who go the extra mile to help those around them.

In 1990 the 63-year-old from Sholing built the only land train in the country which can go on the motorway, hitting speeds of 60 or 70 miles per hour.

Since then Roy, often with the help of his wife Josephine and grandsons George, six, and Oliver Hayward, four, has toured the country, making an appearance and giving people rides at more than 100 carnivals, fetes and fairs every year to help raise money and awareness for charities.

At Christmas time the grandfather-of-three spends 37 hours covering it with 4,300 lights and taking it to festive events.

The father-of-two, who also works as a handyman, said: “I’ve always done carnivals. Over the years I have built lots of carnival floats. I like seeing the kids’ faces when they see Trigger. Also, driving it on the roads, especially the M25, is fantastic. It’s just nice to help people. It makes me feel good.

“I’m just trying to do something good to bring some pleasure to people.”

Roy was nominated for the award by his friend of 35 years, John Curtis, who regularly dresses up and joins Roy and Trigger at Christmas time events.

The 82-year-old grandfather-of-two from Sholing, said: “If I have a problem with anything at all he’s there.