A HERITAGE railway has announced an extension of their summer steam service.

In good news for steam enthusiasts, Wensleydale Railway says their on-loan steam locomotive will now continue to operate on the line until the end of the month.

North Eastern Locomotive Group (NELPEG) based at Hopetown, Darlington had supplied a steam locomotive, their recently overhauled J27 for a loan period that was due to finish on the bank holiday. With the service proving popular with visitors and residents the line’s operators asked the Darlington-based owners for an extension until the end of the month, which they agreed to. A hasty reshuffle of crews has now allowed for steam trains to continue for an 4 extra days until Friday August 31.

Built by Darlington North Road Works in September 1923, J27 No. 65894, had a working life around Darlington, Durham, and York. Retired from service NELPG bought the locomotive from British Rail in 1967; four years later, the locomotive was delivered to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where it has remained ever since.

Interim Chair of the Wensleydale Railway Carl Les said: “I have said before, heritage railways are a family and help each other and this proves the point.

“It is very generous of the North Eastern Locomotive Group to allow us an extra four days which is a bonus and may be the last chance to ride on a steam locomotive this year.”

Steam trains run twice a day Tuesday to Saturday and for the Wensleydale Show; they depart from and return to Leeming Bar at 10:45am and 2:45pm. Diesel trains run at other times including this Sunday.