GIANTS from the golden age of the railway could be brought together after all - despite the collapse of the much-vaunted Cavalcade of Steam.

Less than a month ago, the planned Bank Holiday Cavalcade, marking the 175th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, was scrapped because of major financial difficulties.

But the idea is being resurrected - albeit on a much smaller scale - by the trust that runs the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. It plans to mark the anniversary of the opening of the world's first passenger line by staging its own three-day steam gala in October.

Negotiations are under way to bring together some of the most historically significant steam locomotives, on the Pickering to Grosmont line.

The engines Sir Nigel Gresley and Blue Peter and the goods engine K1 are definitely lined up, while negotiations are taking place to get more.

"When the Cavalcade of Steam was cancelled, we were determined that this important anniversary should not pass unnoticed," said spokesman Jane Lethbridge.

The North Yorkshire Moors Historical Railway Trust is to dedicate two of its events to mark the anniversary - with a steam gala on October 6, 7 and 8 and a diesel gala on November 4 and 5.

"The NYMR cannot hope to host a cavalcade as large as the one that was planned at Shildon," said Jane.

"But we are committed to see that this anniversary is marked with the significant status it deserves.

"Our most popular engines will be taking part and we are trying for as many more as we can."

The original cavalcade was planned to be held along an eight-mile stretch of the 1824 Stockton and Darlington Railway route, between Shildon and Darlington.

It had been envisaged that up to 240,000 people would attend - including enthusiasts from overseas.

However, that all fell apart when one investor withdrew support and late last month the organisers, Rail 2000, went into liquidation.

The Northern Echo is working with various groups in an effort to ensure that the historic anniversary is appropriately marked.

Ech