THE wheels are in motion for the possibility of reopening another railway line through North Yorkshire.

The Wensleydale Railway reopened in July, restoring regular passenger services between Leeming Bar and Leyburn for the first time in 50 years.

The project attracted national headlines at the time and optimism over its viability appears to have been well-founded.

Now campaigners who have fought a separate battle for the restoration of the railway, between Northallerton and Harrogate, are hoping they can mirror the Wensleydale line's success.

An invitation has been issued to consultants to bid for the contract to carry out a feasibility study into the railway.

At the moment, there are five firms in the running for the role.

A decision is expected before the end of this month, with the feasibility report to follow before the end of the year.

The Countryside Agency has already pledged £20,000 towards the costs of the research and financial backing has also been offered by North Yorkshire County Council and the Ripon City Partnership.

People living along the dismantled line, as well as others residents, will be consulted on whether they would use a new rail service. The report will also examine current transport trends.

One of the key questions to be examined in the study will be to find out how many drivers would leave their cars at home if a train was available as an alternative.

The line was among dozens axed in the wake of Dr Charles Beeching's review of the railways 40 years ago.

But the Ripon Railway Reinstatement Society has pointed out that some bridges are still standing, including the impressive viaduct over the Nidd Gorge, north of Harrogate.

However, some residents have expressed concern over the impact a restored line would have on their homes, particularly around Littlethorpe on the southern edge of Ripon, where a new bypass now follows the line of the old railway.