A CAFE in a former paraffin lamp store is helping to put the icing on the cake for passengers using Britain's newest heritage railway.

Ever since she opened the appropriately named Signal Box, at Stanhope station, on the Weardale Railway, in County Durham, Joanne Clarke has been doing a roaring trade with her snacks, wicker-basket hampers and cardboard train lunchboxes for children.

She has built up the business so quickly since the railway opened last month that she has had to take on a full-time employee and three casual staff.

Ms Clarke, who lives at Wearhead, in Weardale, brings to the railway years of experience studying catering at college and working in hotels.

"It all came about after a chance remark by one of the railway volunteers that they would need a cafe at Stanhope, so I decided to give it a go," she said.

"I knew nothing about trains and I have never ever been really interested in them - but I have found this a brilliant environment to work in.

"I am really proud to be involved in a project like this."

Ms Clarke said she was now fascinated by the enthusiasm of children travelling on the steam trains and the nostalgia older people brought to the cafe with their stories about old railways.

The old paraffin light store, which was also used by porters, has been transformed into a smart buffet and cafe area, with walls covered with pictures of old trains and posters.

Steve Raine, chairman of the Weardale Railway Trust, said: "Joanne and her staff at the Signal Box are typical of the enthusiasm we have found among everyone connected with the railway.

"It's an added bonus that the cafe has created more jobs in Weardale."

The Signal Box is open seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm.