The railway line that refused to die

The scenic route draws tourists to the area. Credit: ITV Border

The British Railway line between Haltwhistle and Alston closed 40 years ago, but thanks to a multi-million-pound grant, and some dedicated volunteers, trains are still running along the historic route.

Local communities were devastated in 1976, when the last British Rail train ran, but just seven years later the South Tynedale Railway took to the tracks in its place.

The scenic route through the South Tyne Valley stops at Kirkhaugh and Lintley Halt, and is powered by a team of determined volunteers.

The route needs a group of dedicated volunteers to survive. Credit: ITV Border

Keeping the trains running does take a lot of money though, and the group was awarded a £4.25 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant in 2014, as part of a three year development project.

The money is being used to complete an extension of the railway to Slaggyford, and for major repairs to station buildings.