First North Western Trains, 0161-228 4696.4 Anglia Plus one-day pass: the freedom of Suffolk and Norfolk for pounds 8. Anglia Railways, 01473 693919.3 Night out offer between Newcastle and London for pounds 19 return Travel after 3pm and next morning before 9am. ScotRail, 0345 550033.6 The Freedom of Wales for eight days' train travel in any 15 for pounds 75. ScotRail, 0345 550033.8 Anywhere in West Yorkshire, buses and trains, for two adults and up to three children for pounds 6 any day (Mon-Fri after 9.30am) A single person's ticket is pounds 4.50. Leeds Tourist Information, 0113 242 5242.7 ScotRail offers a Family sleeper ticket for two adults plus two children for pounds 220 return from London to Edinburgh It must be booked at least seven days in advance. WINTER IS about to begin - at least as far as Britain's railways are concerned.
The new timetable sees the post-privatisation expansion of services continuing, and more and more tricks to fill them. These are the top 10 bargains that we have tracked down: TOP TEN BARGAINS 10 Between London and Llandudno Junction for pounds 26 return, if you book by seven days in advance. Virgin Trains, 0345 222333.9 The Family Funday Sunday special on ScotRail, where you can travel anywhere at half-price - providing you are accompanied by a child, who pays pounds 1. Who will be handling your sale?l The staff should appear smart and tidy if they are to instil confidence in potential purchasers.l Ask at least three agents to visit your property and give you a valuation. Make sure you include independents as well as chains.l View sample details of similar properties on the agents' books, noting the use of photographs and attention to detail.l Check staffing levels and opening hours. Will viewings be accompanied?l Do they phone and mail out all new instructions?l How often will you be updated on your sale's progress?l Discuss fees.. Carrying out your own research on foot and by telephone is essential; pay a visit to the agent's website, too.
"See where the agency is located in the high street, and if the staff are on the phone or just sitting there hoping a property will sell itself," advises Mr Smith. "Staffing levels and experience are very important."However thorough your selection procedure, the human element is bound to creep in "Personality does count," remarks Ms Forrest. "The guy from Bushells was the only one who drank my tea."Bushells, 0181-299 1722; Barringtons, 01753 880200; NAEA 01926 496800How to Choose the Right Estate Agentl You don't have to like your agent, but it is important to feel that you can trust them.l Visit and telephone the offices as a "purchaser" to see how you are greeted and what response you get.l An experienced staff makes all the difference. "Estate agents don't get quizzed enough, which means people end up choosing an agent for the wrong reasons - the highest valuation, the lowest fee or because of an out-of-date recommendation," he says. He suggests that agents need to put more emphasis on communications, keeping the vendor updated even when a buyer has been found.Stephen Smith from Bushells estate agents in south London, which won the instruction from Ms Forrest, welcomes her approach. "The public need the assurance that estate agents are following best practice, especially if things go wrong," he says. He also warns against just choosing the agent charging the lowest commission "The cheapest may not deliver the quality of service.