But thanks to everyone for the help, I really appreciated it, especially when I was so scared at the time!

Basically, I wrote to them once, then recieved 3 letters in 3 days from the debt collection agency, adding a further £65 to the charge. I then decided to write directly to EC, telling them of, firstly, what happened and why I got the notice in the first place; and, second, that I was shocked and scared by the letters in such quick succession adding so much extra for no reason. They said that they would "look into it". After about a month and a half without a responce, I wrote the old "I will concider the matter closed unless I hear otherwise", and then a couple of weeks later they told me that due to "inappropriate action undertaken" by the debt collection agency and "lack of substancial evidence in light of my letter", they would drop the case.

I got off absolutely scott free, despite all the pessimisticcomments

No, they could get any train on that day, but I could only ge a certain one, and I was, therefore leading the group, but led myself onto the wrong train- they didnt care.

Also, will I be able to pay in cash? As I've managed to scrape together the funds, but dont have a bank account so cant pay by cheque or card, and a postal order will cost a further £10, which I dont have.

I think I have appealed, but I don't really know. The notice itself said that to "dispute" the charge I would have to submit in writing my reasons within 10 days, and so I sent my letter to the given PO box in under 24 hours. Whether or not this is a formal appeal or not I don't know, but it was the only appeal-esque procedure which was given on the notice.

Righto, thank you. I'd better beg, borrow and steal as much as I can ASAP! Follow up question: even though I disputed, which I presume they will (rightly) reject, will I be able to pay the sum, or will they immediately take legal action against me?

On the 23rd of August 2012 I was travelling back home from Leeds to London Kings Cross on a train specific ticket. In a rush as my connecting train had been delayed, I did not pay full attention to the board, and accidentally got on the wrong train. I was travelling with friends and, being engaged in conversation, and relieved that I was on the train, I did not realise my error until the ticket inspector told me when he checked my ticket after Wakefield. I apologised and offered to get off at the next stop and board the correct train when it arrived, which I thought would be a reasonable cure for an innocent mistake. However he told me I could not, and would have to pay for a full priced ticket. Being only 17, needless to say I did not have £124.50 in my wallet, so he filled out an unpaid fare notice for me. I do not have anywhere near the £124.50 I need, so I thought it would be best to dispute the claim as soon as possible, I sent a letter explaining in slightly more detail what I have already said here. As of yet I am awaiting a response. can anyone give me any advice? Do I have any basis to keep disputing? Is it better to somehow find the money to pay? Seeing as how I had a valid and paid for ticket, should that price be deducted from what I need to pay, ie, go down by about £30? Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I have no idea where I stand! Thanks in advance, Charlie