A FORMER railway station house has been restored to its former 1920s glory.

Owners the heritage Wensleydale Railway are planning to show off the newly restored building at Leeming Bar with a grand opening on the bank holiday of Monday, May 2. They are inviting people to go along and step back in time to the heyday of the railway when it carried thousands of people a year. It has been restored with the help of the Lottery Heritage Fund.

A spokesperson said: “We are proud to announce the grand opening of the Leeming Bar Station House and want to welcome visitors to come and celebrate with us. With support from the fund and the tireless work of our volunteers, the station has been transformed into something unique.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to experience what life was like in a busy country station whilst being guided by volunteers in period dress. To celebrate the opening there will be music, a period steam traction engine, refreshments and family games and activities; all taking place between 10.30am and 4.30pm with a special guest arriving to open the building. The grand opening of the Leeming Bar Station House includes free entry to the building and activities for all the family.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

“A train service will also be operating throughout the day with visitors able to step further back in time by travelling to the award-winning Scruton Station set in the early 1900s. Over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend there will also be a model railway exhibition in the engine shed at Leeming Bar.

“We are an authentic heritage railway serving the local community, offering tourists, families and transport enthusiasts a great value day out in the Yorkshire Dales with lots to see and do along the way. The Wensleydale Railway Association Trust was awarded a grant by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore Leeming Bar Station House and to share its heritage with more people and in new ways.

“Despite the challenges, the Grade II listed building underwent a complete restoration during the spring of 2020 with focus then switching to the decorating and furnishing of the Station House to how it would have looked in the 1920s. The railway’s volunteers have worked tirelessly to recreate what the station would have looked like which includes a parcels office, ticket office, waiting room, Station Master’s parlour complete with William Morris wallpaper, kitchen and washroom."

Entrance for the exhibition and bookings for train travel can be made in advance on the website; www.wensleydale-railway.co.uk