RAIL enthusiasts were jubilant yesterday after their ambitious plans to rejuvenate a neglected stretch of line were approved.

The Wensleydale Railway Association won approval yesterday for its scheme to reopen Leeming Bar station.

The buildings are presently used as offices for the association and as housing, but trains could be stopping there in the summer.

Hambleton District Council's development control committee approved plans for alterations to create a ticket office and waiting room.

The scheme also includes fencing, car parking, a temporary toilet block, disabled toilet and disabled access.

Aiskew Parish Council had withdrawn its previous objection and was in favour of the project, which was also recommended for approval by planning officers.

It is a major step forward in the group's plans to bring rail travel back to Wensleydale, which include ploughing millions of pounds into rejuvenating a 22-mile stretch of old line between Northallerton and Redmire.

The association's property director, Angus Maude, said: "I am absolutely delighted it has been approved.

"We are hopeful that all the regulatory approvals and the lease with Railtrack will be completed within the next few weeks.

"We hope to run some trains during the summer season, but as with all these things, there is no guarantee on the time scale at the moment."