A grandmother will be the star of the show when she features in a stand up comedian’s routine based on their encounter on a train.
Lena Ainscow, aged 75, was reduced to tears when a train conductor ordered her to hand over £115 because he said she was on the wrong train.
Mrs Ainscow, of Mackenzie Street, Astley Bridge, had already bought a pre-paid £11.50 ticket, but her itinerary, printed out by staff at Bolton Station, gave the wrong time.
One of her fellow passengers was Tom Wrigglesworth, a comedian from London, and he could not believe the conductor was demanding the cash.
He immediately decided to organise a whip-round to pay for Mrs Ainscow’s ticket, but was then told he would be arrested for begging when the train arrived in London.
Police met him on the station platform, but no action was taken after passengers explained what had happened.
Now Mr Wrigglesworth, a successful performer on the national circuit, is bringing his show to Bolton — and he will talk about Mrs Ainsow in his routine.
He said: “The thing I remember most about the incident is that it was so outrageous.
“I thought everyone on the train should know about it, and that if everyone knew what had happened they would be happy to help.”
Mrs Ainscow and Mr Wrigglesworth have stayed in touch since the event, and he phoned her on Wednesday morning to offer her two free tickets for the show.
She said: “It was really good to hear from him and I’m really happy he’s going to talk about me in his show.”
Mrs Ainscow will not see the show herself, however, because she says she is too old for that sort of thing.
Virgin Trains later apologised for the incident and refunded Mrs Ainscow’s cash, which she donated to the Help for Heroes charity.
Tom Wrigglesworth is performing alongside Ian Stone and Ben Norris at the Bolton Arena tonight at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12. Call: 08448 110999.
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