A HERITAGE railway running through some of the most stunning scenery in the county has issued a call for volunteers to help meet increasing demand.

The Wensleydale Railway is going full steam ahead following it’s reopening to passenger traffic in 2003 when over £1.2m was raised to relaunch services into the Dales.

And it’s the scenery, along with interest created by another form of transport - cycles, following the Tour De France - which has forced the appeal for help.

The line is run by hundreds of volunteers with a small number of paid staff.

Managers say volunteers of all ages are needed for a range of jobs including engineering, administration, guarding and ticket and event sales, with some driver training also available.

Nigel Park, general manager said:“This is an exciting opportunity for people who would like to support the Wensleydale Railway whilst gaining valuable experience.

“Yorkshire is in demand and we have probably the most attractive views in the country which more and more people want to see following the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire,” he added.

The line is run by the Wensleydale Railway Association, a Trust set up in 1990 to save and restore it. Having opened in the 1850’s originally connecting Northallerton on the east coast line and Gargrave on the Settle to Carlisle line the railway lost passenger services in 1954 but most of the line up to Redmire was preserved because of freight traffic and occasional use by the army to move tanks.

The 22 mile line now stretches from Northallerton West, where the Association has built a platform to serve the town, through Leeming Bar, Bedale and Leyburn to Redmire in Wensleydale.

The platform at Northallerton does not connect with the east coast line, but offers passengers access. There are also ambitious plans to extend the line back up to Gargrave.

Mr Park added: “Many volunteers are perhaps retired, seeking a later-life occupation. Here at Wensleydale Railway volunteers are welcome from all age groups and all walks of life. Our customers come from around the world so anyone with language skills would find this of interest as of course would railway enthusiasts.”

Director Carl Les said they would be keen to hear from young people: “Many schools and college curriculums are asking students to volunteer and we would love them to join us, it’s interesting and can provide important practical experience.”

Contact the Wensleydale Railway at Leeming Bar station, call 01677 425805 or email: generalmanager@wensleydalerailway.com