FOR a group of passionate railway volunteers, getting steamed up about trains is almost a full-time job.

The team from the Weardale Locomotive Preservation Group have spent a decade in pursuit of a dream, restoring rolling stock for a line which hasn't seen a passenger service for 50 years.

Chairman Dave Foxton and his crew have lost count of the days spent beavering away in all weathers behind steelworks in Wolsingham, County Durham. For the past decade they have been waiting for the signal that the Weardale Railway could reopen and now there are signs that the project is at last on track.

Their spirits have been given an extra boost by the arrival of their first locomotive Norwood, a former NCB engine last used at a cokeworks near Gateshead, and track from Tarmac at Coxhoe Quarry.

Mr Foxton, from Spennymoor, who is a director of the railway company, is aiming to run steam specials on the anniversary of the line's closure in June. Full services could start next year.

He said: "Steam has always fascinated me and I've wanted to work with trains since I was at school. We can't wait until the line is open."

The project needs volunteers to help with restoration work and track clearing. Contact Mr Foxton on (01388) 817907.