ONE of the region's best loved scenic railway lines is to get a £1m facelift.

Network Rail is spending the money on the Esk Valley line, on the North York Moors, over the next few weeks as part of its programme of railway rebuilding.

Track renewals will take place at Grosmont and Commondale, while structural supports will be replaced on the Ruswarp viaduct and a bridge over the Esk at Grosmont.

A new 300-metre drain will be installed at the station at Sleights, which is prone to flooding.

Network Rail's regional director, Richard Fenny, said: "I would like to thank passengers for their patience during this work and apologise for any inconvenience it may cause. Once the track renewal is completed at Grosmont this will mean continuous railway, under two years old, for eight miles between Glaisdale and Sleights.

"This will be complemented by a further two miles of track renewal between Sleights and Whitby during the next financial year."

He added: "This work will help ensure the long-term reliability of the Esk Valley route and improve ride quality of passengers' journeys."

In order to carry out the work safely the line will be closed from Saturday until February 23, during which time a bus replacement service will operate between Middlesbrough and Whitby.

Customers for intermediate stations are advised to contact Arriva Trains Northern's customer relations helpline on 0870 602 3322, which will provide alternative transport where necessary.

Timetable information about bus replacement services operating during the engineering work can be obtained from National Rail Enquiries on 0845 748 4950 or by visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk.