A regeneration programme could secure the future of a railway line which it was feared had closed for good.

The Countryside Agency, Yorkshire Forward and local authorities have all contributed to a project designed to help Arriva Trains Northern, Network Rail and the Strategic Rail Authority offer the Esk Valley Line a new lease of life.

The scheme includes the introduction of new rolling stock, more frequent services and a number of new jobs in Whitby.

"A new project officer, when appointed, will have a major challenge to transform one of Britain's rural Cinderella lines into a glittering princess,'' said secretary of the development company, Neil Buxton.

"The job will involve close liaison with local communities, partnerships with local attractions like the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and local hotels and guest houses and - alongside all that - being at the heart of plans to transform the operation of the line."

The new services will add to the trains that already carry children from the Esk Valley to school in Whitby, as well as tourists visiting the east coast and North York Moors.

Full details of the project will be announced on Tuesday, March 25 - the 40th anniversary of the publication of the Beeching Report.