The founder of a group aiming to reinstate the 25-mile stretch of railway line between Harrogate and Northallerton via Ripon has expressed delight that the scheme is gathering a new head of steam.

Chairman of Ripon Railway Reinstatement Association Adrian Morgan has welcomed news that North Yorkshire County Council will shortly seek consultants to carry out a passenger demand test for the old line.

Mr Morgan formed the Ripon restoration group 15 years ago because of his interest in railways and he seen its potential in boosting not only tourism but trade and travel for commuters.

"I think Ripon has suffered as a result of not having a railway line now. And I am sure we would not have lost the Ripon teacher training college if we had still been connected to the rail network," he said of a closure which recently saw students transferred to the York campus.

Costs of relaying the track have been put at between £40m and £50m. But railway experts say that is much cheaper than providing a motorway which can cost £10m for two miles.

Mr Morgan said his association was very encouraged by what was happening now and warmly welcomed the Countryside Agency's decision to provide a 50 per cent grant towards the feasibility study.