A historic railway has been boosted by a £49,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

Bowes Railway, the world's only surviving rope hauled railway, has been given the cash to restore damaged parts of the track between Springwell Crossing and Blackhams Hill in Gateshead.

The railway is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, built by George Stephenson in 1826, and was used to transport coal from mines in County Durham to the River Tyne.

Phillip Dawe, chairman of the Bowes Railway Trust, said: "The restoration work will ensure the track will be fully usable for another 30 years at least."

Regional Manager for the Heritage Lottery Fund, Keith Bartlett said: "The Bowes Railway is a vital part of our heritage and identity in the North-East and the HLF is determined to support projects that will ensure this important part of our history is remembered for the benefit of future generations."