Thousands raised for charity as Northern runs special service along heritage railway line for the first time

The sold-out service set off from Darlington station before completing a return trip along the 16-mile Weardale Railway. It called at a number of stations along the way, including Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, Bishop Auckland West and Stanhope. 

There were more than 120 passengers on board, who were given a tour of the historic route in County Durham and treated to live music and a raffle.

Northern and Weardale Railway, which worked together to organise the event in February, raised more than £3,200 in total. 

The money has been donated to two local charities: The Angel Trust, based in Bishop Auckland, and 123help4familys, based in Stanhope.

Watch: Customers praise 'amazing' Weardale Railway service 

The event was also part of Railway 200 – the nationwide celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway.   

Thomas Lascelles, who was one of the passengers, said: “I’m a railway enthusiast and I travel all over the country by train, but I haven’t been on a charter for more than 20 years, as a lot of them are on older trains which you can’t easily get on when you’re in a wheelchair.

“It was a fantastic day. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. The conductor Graham and all of the staff on board were brilliant. They really looked after me and made sure the ramp was there when I wanted to get on and off the train.

“It was a lovely journey, with some stunning views of the countryside and wildlife, and I enjoyed chatting to everyone on board. It was a perfect day and I was so pleased to be a part of it.”

Jason Wade, a service delivery director at Northern, said: “We’re proud to have made Northern history by running a passenger train along a preserved heritage railway for the first time.

“This is a huge achievement and it took almost a year of planning. I would like to thank everyone who has volunteered to help out and make this happen.

“It was a really enjoyable day for all of the passengers and staff on board and I’m delighted that we managed to raise more than £3,200 for two very worthy local charities.”

The Weardale Railway, which opened in 1847, is a popular tourist attraction and allows visitors to travel on heritage trains along a 16-mile route. It runs between Bishop Auckland West and Stanhope in County Durham.  

In 2020, it was saved from administration by The Auckland Project, which has since provided significant investment to fund essential repairs and infrastructure improvements.

Claire Gibbons, general manager at Weardale Railway, said: “We were delighted to welcome Northern onto the Weardale Railway for this landmark event.

"Seeing more than 120 passengers enjoying the journey, the history of the line and the atmosphere on board made it a truly memorable day.

"Most importantly, raising over £3,200 for two fantastic local charities shows the real difference events like this can make to our communities.”

Jane Ruffer, chief executive at The Auckland Project, said: “Saving the Weardale Railway in 2020 was about protecting an important piece of County Durham’s heritage for future generations, and this event shows just how vibrant that future can be.

"It brought together partners, volunteers and passengers in a wonderful celebration of Railway 200 — while also generating valuable funds for local charities. We’re incredibly proud to see the line continuing to connect communities in more ways than one.”

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.