THE Queensway Birkenhead tunnel banned traffic and opened its lanes for the public to enjoy a unique experience on Sunday with the under-river walk in aid of North West Cancer Research.

With the Phantom of the Opera resting his sore throat after a triumphant first week or so at Liverpool's Empire Theatre, the footslog was officially opened by co-star Raoul (played by Richard Lake), the Phantom's rival for the affections of the beautiful Christine.

Now Sunday is usually a welcome day off for me after a week in the fast lane of reporting but this rare opportunity to walk through the 2.1-mile 'old' tunnel was just too good to turn down. The Globe-supported event's main aim was to raise cash and awareness of the cancer charity and, besides, I did the walk for sentimental reasons: my late grand-dad helped build the Queensway tunnel.

Although the turn-out was not as good as hoped, there was a great atmosphere with walkers of all ages taking the opportunity to record a moment of the historic day, with flashing photo and video cameras in abundance.

The second time the Queensway tunnel has been open to the public, it was an enjoyable walk but certainly different. Half the time, probably habit after driving through the previous day, I was looking over my shoulder expecting to try to avoid a speeding car or tunnel bus, but it suddenly dawned there was no traffic on this occasion!

Walking through the 'old tunnel' at a brisk pace took me about 30 minutes and it does seem longer than 2.1 miles, although this impression probably has something do with the bends and the climb compared with the straight 1.75 mile Kingsway tunnel from Wallasey to Liverpool.

At the end all walkers were presented with a certificate and a free one-day pass to Fitness First Leisure Club in Bromborough - as well as going home with the feeling of having contributed something to a worthwhile event.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.