Trains have returned to a section of England's highest railway line for the first time in more than 40 years.
South Tynedale Railway, a narrow gauge line in the Pennines, is built on the track bed of the Alston Line which closed in 1976.
Operated by a preservation society, it runs steam trains between Alston in Cumbria and Lintley in Northumberland.
In what has been described as a "milestone" it now runs to Slaggyford, further up the Tyne Valley.
Richard
Graham, chair of the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society, said:
"Opening the extension to Slaggyford is the first step towards
fulfilling the aim of aim of recreate a community railway linking Alston
Moor, South Tynedale and the wider North Pennines Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty with the national railway network at Haltwhistle.
"I
would like to thank the team of staff and volunteers who have worked
really hard, overcoming numerous obstacles, to help us reach this
milestone."
All three pictures kindly supplied by David Moore, who made the long trek north from his home in Cornwall.
All three pictures kindly supplied by David Moore, who made the long trek north from his home in Cornwall.
