A Cabinet member gave a campaign to save an historic railway line a boost by visiting its open weekend.

Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong attended the Weardale Railway Trust's event at Stanhope.

Crowds gathered to enjoy attractions such as a steam wagon, traction engines, model railway, sales stands, photo displays and a pit memorabilia display.

Mrs Armstrong, MP for North-West Durham, was able to find out how the project to save the line between Bishop Auckland and Stanhope was progressing.

Director of the trust and chairman of the Weardale Locomotive Preservation Group, Dave Foxton, organised the event.

He said: "The sun shone the whole two days. I'd like to say many thanks to everyone involved who made the event such a success.