BUSINESSES are being urged to work together to take advantage of the railway returning to their Dales town after more than 40 years.

Engines will once again be running along the Wensleydale railway line later this summer, pulling a regular passenger service.

Richmondshire District Council is now hoping that businesses in Leyburn will benefit from the expected influx of visitors.

Its tourism officer, Pam Whittaker, has teamed up with the Wensleydale Railway Company (WRC) in an effort to help firms.

She said: "We are anticipating a regular supply of new visitors coming to Leyburn on the train and it is really important they have a good experience when they arrive and enjoy the best of what the town has to offer."

She and the WRC have organised a meeting, to be held at 7pm on Thursday, June 5, at Thornborough Hall, Leyburn, where they will explain the benefits of marketing in partnership with the railway operator.

Scott Handley, chief executive of the Wensleydale Railway, said: "By working in partnership with Leyburn businesses, we anticipate a win-win situation for all concerned."

The Office of the Rail Regulator issued Wensleydale Railway plc with five operating licences on April 28 and it took control of the line on May 12.

It has since been announced that passenger services on the Wensleydale line will finally resume on July 4, when all seats will be bookable at premium prices.

Then, from July 5 until the end of October, a regular service will operate between Leeming Bar and Leyburn Station.

Services in the first year will operate every 90 minutes between the two stations, using diesel multiple units, and their proposed six units per journey will have a carrying capacity of 300 visitors.

The meeting next week is open to everyone who would like to find out how to get involved.

To register an interest or for more information, contact Pam Whittaker on (01748) 829100 or Scott Handley on (01609) 779368.