THE dedication of railway enthusiasts never ceases to amaze, particularly those volunteers and supporters of the Wensleydale railway. Faced with what often seem to be overwhelming odds, such as landslips, collapsing tracks, and new regulations they simply grit their teeth and battle on. Huge feats of engineering have been undertaken by the railways volunteers and supporters, who have raised millions of pounds since they were established in 2,000 to keep the heritage railway up and running.

Major work is set for Leeming Bar station and at Leyburn this year, and despite much controversy in 2017 over selling off Aysgarth station, the railway association seems to be steadily staying on track.

A £1m JustGiving virtual sleeper appeal launched last year has made over £42,600 with more coming in every day. The money is needed to upgrade level crossings with LED lights and electronics allowing them to reopen the railway to Northallerton, so they could call at the award winning Scruton station on the way.

They've promised to list the names of donors in a book to be kept at Leeming Bar station, with special certificates given to anyone donating £15 or more. The Wensleydale does often seem like the poor relation of the North York Moors railway, overshadowed by the older, wealthier outfit across the other side of the county, but the volunteers battle on regardless. And it is because of their determination that the line which was originally closed to passenger traffic in 1960, and was only kept going for quarry traffic and the army, now boasts a regular heritage service through the heart of the Dales. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sponsor-a-sleeper.