Station brings whistles of admiration

Dec 8 2006 By The Journal

Volunteers who continued to work on a railway without any trains were rewarded for their faith yesterday.

At a ceremony in London, County Durham's Weardale Railway was presented with the Ian Allan Award for the best UK station preservation project for 2006.

The plaque was presented as part of the National awards organised by the Heritage Railway Association and received by Trevor Hewitt and Graham Lord.

They were two of the many Weardale Railway Trust volunteers who worked for 10 months from late 2005 to complete the restoration of the canopy at Stanhope station, returning it to its Victorian grandeur.

During that time the railway was in administration after the original company running it collapsed with debts approaching £1m.

The seven-mile stretch of track between Stanhope and Wolsingham re-opened in August and is now run by a partnership between the non-profit making ECT Group, of London, Weardale Railway Trust, Wear Valley District Council and Durham County Council.

The canopy needed 2,200 metres of timber, 30 sheets of plywood, 2,600 slates, 192 panes of glass and 80 litres of paint, plus sealant, screws and nails.

The railway is now operating Santa specials between Wolsingham and Stanhope. Two Santa trains run each Saturday and Sunday to Christmas at 10am and 1.15pm from Wolsingham, except on Christmas Eve when only the 10am train will run.

Tickets, which include a gift for children, refreshments and entertainment, are £10 for adults and children aged three or over. To book call (01388) 526203 or 0845 600-1348.