HERITAGE railway enthusiasts are offering a behind the scenes look at how they stay on track in a bid to attract new helpers.

Wensleydale railway, one of the longest heritage lines in the country, with 22 miles of track, dating back to the 1840’s, is staging a special open day.

It’s run by an army of volunteers and a handful of paid staff through a Trust, and organisers are hoping visitors will include potential new volunteers.

On Saturday, October 3 from 9am to 6pm, there’ll be a range of demonstrations and events on the line.

Two trains will be running the length of the line from Northallerton West to Redmire, stopping at each station so visitors can see each location, people will also have the chance to go on the footplate and try out train driving.

At Leeming Bar visitors will also be able to see track laying and track work, inspect a diesel locomotive and have footplate rides on a steam locomotive. There will also be a residents carriage, a marquee with future plans, a cake stall and hog roast. A free vintage bus will also operate between Leeming Bar and Scruton.

At Bedale the signal box and signalling will be on display along with pictures of the level crossing repair work and a demonstration of Bedale Station Group activities. At Leyburn there will also be demonstrations on the platform.

General Manager Nigel Park said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to learn at first hand how a heritage railway works and will get them into parts of the railway that a normal train ride can never provide. We hope that visitors experiencing these activities will be encouraged to join our volunteer programme and come along to enjoy a very satisfying volunteering role and become ambassadors for the Wensleydale Railway.”