A scheme to reopen a 25-mile stretch of North Yorkshire railway has been given another boost.
The Countryside Agency has already pledged £20,000 towards a feasability study ahead of plans to relaunch the Harrogate-Ripon-Northallerton line.
North Yorkshire County Council is setting aside £10,000 and Ripon City Partnership has given unanimous backing for a further £10,000.
Ripon has been off the railway network for more than 40 years, since Dr Beeching, former chairman of the British Railways Board, famously wielded his axe nationwide to close hundreds of branch lines.
The founder of Ripon Railway Reinstatement Association, Adrian Morgan, has already welcomed news of the feasability study.
Mr Morgan formed the Ripon restoration group 15 years ago because of his interest in railways, spotting its potential in boosting not only tourism but trade and travel for commuters.
He strongly believes Ripon has suffered by not having rail links.
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