The Auckland Project acquired the 16-mile stretch of track from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope in January 2020 and has been working to repair the line to re-establish a regular service between the two towns.
The Weardale Railway commenced services on 19th February 2023.
Visitors to the popular Bishop Auckland Food Festival, which attracts around 30,000 visitors a year will be able to use the services during the event, which takes place on 22nd and 23rd April.
The residents of Stanhope and Wolsingham will be able to travel to the food festival by train.
Wayne Dixon, general manager of Weardale Railway, said: “We’ve been working hard to get Weardale Railway back on track for the people of Bishop Auckland and Weardale.
“Thousands of passengers have enjoyed a ride on the railway since we opened the line between Stanhope and Wolsingham in May 2022.
“This year we hope even more passengers will be able to enjoy our services, as we expand our timetable and extend the line to Bishop Auckland.”
The Auckland Project hopes to re-introduce regular services from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope, with services operating on selected Saturdays and Sundays during the summer months in 2023.
This was designed and constructed by volunteers of the Trust in partnership with Weardale Railway Limited, part of The Auckland Project, who own the line.
