IN a marked contrast to the drafty waiting rooms of the past, the Wensleydale Railway has a new food stop at Bedale.

Platform One the café tearoom at Bedale Railway Station has now been taken over by a new couple Ian and Tracey Morrison and is open for business.

The couple who hail from Kent both had high-pressure jobs and although familiar with the Yorkshire Dales and but not particularly railway fans were tempted when they saw an opportunity to run the café advertised.

Quickly making a decision they left their jobs and the deal was completed in less than six weeks and last weekend they opened to the public.

Ian and Tracey who already had a holiday home in the Dales have now moved here permanently along with their border collie Millie. Mr Morrison said: “It was quite a wrench to move away from our families but we love the Dales.

“Although we were not particularly railway fans I suspect we soon will be. Our first weekend was very busy.”

A keen motorcyclist himself Ian and hopes to attract both motorcyclists and cyclists as part of their regular custom. They are also extremely dog-friendly as would be expected with ‘doggie yoghurts’ for sale.

All the food is prepared by Tracey using locally sourced products where possible it starts with breakfast, to light lunches and afternoon teas. They even have a service where railway travellers can order a picnic. They intend to employ several part time staff.

Platform one is at Bedale railway station and it’s open every day except Monday in the summer.