THE GOLDEN age of steam was combined with a display of military might at a County Durham visitor attraction over the weekend.

Volunteer steam enthusiasts who run the Tanfield Railway, a revived stretch of line near Stanley, welcomed military vehicle owners, many in period costume, from across the North-East.

The railway's Military Weekend featured jeeps, Land Rovers, Army trucks and lorries spanning various fields of conflict throughout the twentieth century.

They formed a small military encampment, complete with field kitchen, near the railway attraction entrance, at Andrew's House Station, off the road from Stanley to Sunniside.

Visitors were able to take a steam ride through north-west Durham countryside, including Causey Woods, on the four station loop of the restored branch line.

Pulling the trains this weekend were the 'Number 49', a steam engine which previously operated at Backworth Colliery in the Northumberland coalfield, and 'Stagshaw', a former working engine at Brancepeth Colliery in County Durham.

For details on the activities at Tanfield Railway over the coming Bank Holiday weekend call (01207) 280643 or (0191) 388 7574.