A MAN who strongly supported the efforts of campaigners to revive rail services in Wensleydale will make his last journey by train next week.

Walter Hartley, a founder member of the Wensleydale Railway Association 14 years ago, died on Sunday after a long illness. He was 69.

On Thursday, at the request of his family, his coffin will be carried on a special train operated by Wensleydale Railway for 12 miles between Leeming Bar and Leyburn for his funeral service at St Peter's and St Paul's Church in the town.

Mr Hartley, of Leyburn, died seven weeks after he travelled in his wheelchair on a special train between Northallerton and Redmire to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of passenger services linking Northallerton and Garsdale. The family party included his wife, Joy, and his 85-year-old brother, Harry, a retired railwayman.

WRA secretary Ruth Annison described Walter Hartley as a stalwart supporter of the organisation and said: "I have known him personally almost since the day we began talking about reinstating the railway.

"He was born in a house opposite Leyburn station and he was steadfast in his commitment to bringing trains back. In earlier days, he spent many hours at village shows, answering questions and raising interest in our work. He gave a lot of time to telling people that it was a worthwhile idea and to helping it to come about.

"Walter was a remarkable man, well-liked and deeply respected, and we gladly agreed to the request for his coffin to travel by train. It is a great honour and a unique occasion."

The train, being specially run during a break in normal Wensleydale Railway services until July 1, is due to arrive at Leyburn at 11.20 for the funeral service 40 minutes later. All the bearers will be WRA members.

Mr Hartley spent 20 years as a volunteer with the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

A full obituary will appear in the D&S Times next week.