THE dream of reopening Weardale's historic railway line is soon to become a reality with the appointment of a project leader.

The Weardale Railway Trust is forging ahead with its plans to breath life into the redundant line by appointing someone to take ideas forward.

The trust has already advertised the position and hopes the project leader will be in place and ready for the challenge ahead by the beginning of September.

The idea to reopen, what is widely known as one of England's most picturesque railway lines, has already received Government backing.

It is hoped that with the dedication of the 400-strong team of volunteers, a passenger service could be up and running in 2004.

The project manager will generate cash to help with the reopening of the line from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope, and eventually to Eastgate.

The contract for the position is only for 12 months initially but once the scheme is up and running, the trust is hoping that it will be a full time position.

Brian Morris from the Trust said: "There is a strong possibility the contract could be extended if the right person was appointed.

"We will be looking for someone who knows a little about the project and someone who knows how to handle people.''

Among the work that needs to be done to get the line reopened are repairs to the infrastructure in general, track and bridges.

Work also needs to be carried out on signalling and on route stations where disabled access and car parks will have to be looked at.

Two diesel trains have already been purchased to operate a daily service on the line and a maintenance depot will also be set up in Wolsingham.

Mr Morris said: "There already is a maintenance depot in Wolsingham that the volunteers use at the moment but it hasn't got the proper equipment needed.''

Money for the project is coming from a variety of sources including Durham County Council, Wear Valley District Council, One NorthEast and European funding.

Volunteers are also doing their fair share to boost funds further.