The first official train will run from Leeming Bar to Bedale, heralding the start of regular passenger services over the summer.

Trains operating over the weekend of 5 and 6 July will be open to the general public.

This isn’t another heritage railway. The promoters are very much in earnest about providing a transport service for the local community.

The ultimate aim is to run from Northallerton, on the East Coast main line, to Garsdale, on the Settle-Carlisle line.

The railway will remain in the ownership of Network Rail, which has agreed a long lease with the Wensleydale Railway.

Official hand-over day is Friday 6 June. A ceremony has been organised to mark the occasion.

Information from TRAIN paul at thecarriage.freeserve.co.uk