A PIONEERING scheme could see Britain's first community company running a railway in North Yorkshire.

Masterminded by Dr Paul Salveson and Mr Neil Buxton, of the association of community rail partnerships, the venture could secure the long-term future of the picturesque Esk Valley line between Whitby and Middlesbrough, which has been a loss-maker for many years.

The aim, said Mr Buxton, was to set up a Whitby-based company run by the community which would help run the line. The idea had already been backed by the government's strategic rail authority.

As a result, it was hoped to increase the number of trains using the line - currently only four a day in each direction - through new marketing added Mr Buxton, who headed the Esk Valley rail partnership in the 90s, during which time he saw the number of passengers rise by 34pc.

"We want to make rural rail lines more responsive to passenger needs," said Mr Buxton.

Charter trains are also envisaged on the line, hailed as one of the most spectacular in the country, travelling through such beauty spots as Grosmont, Goathland, Danby and Castleton.

The company also aims to get better integration between the railway and other forms of public transport in North Yorkshire, said Mr Buxton.

Support has also been given to the venture by North Yorkshire County Council, the North York Moors national park authority and Whitby MP Mr Lawrie Quinn.

Mr Buxton said it was hoped the company would attract major government agency funding as well as cash from the European Union.