DOZENS of car and rail enthusiasts visited the Weardale Railway over the weekend to see the return of steam to the line.

The 33-tonne steam locomotive No 40 hauled trains between Stanhope and Wolsingham for the first time since being repaired by the Weardale Railway Trust.

The locomotive operated three times yesterday and Saturday, and one family from Coundon, County Durham, held their son’s first birthday party on the train.

The trial run was hailed a success by everyone involved with the railway and it is hoped the locomotive will operate at weekends throughout August.

Meanwhile, a classic car rally took place at Stanhope Station yesterday in partnership with the Sunderland and District Classic Car Society.

The event included vehicles from television shows Heartbeat and Life On Mars.

Ian Gardner, the trust’s marketing manager, said: “We have had dozens of visitors over the weekend, which is good for the railway, and good for the area because it is bringing more people into the dale.

“We had a very minor technical hitch on Saturday, but overall everything ran very well, and the steam seemed to be popular with visitors.

“The car rally was bigger than last year’s event, and hopefully we can continue to build on that.”

Diesel services will operate on the line daily from Saturday until September. For information, call 01388-526203.