A scheme to move a North-East tourist attraction was approved by councillors yesterday.

The miniature railway that winds its way through Valley Gardens, Saltburn, in east Cleveland, has been affected by flooding and a number of other problems during the past few years.

Volunteers have asked Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for permission to relocate the engine shed and ticket office on the other side of Skelton Beck.

They also want to realign the track from the western side of Skelton Beck to the eastern side, along the bottom of the bank side.

The volunteers believe that the proposed improvements will guard against the possibility of future flooding, and also ensure the long-term survival of the tourist attraction.

It will also allow for the reintroduction of steam trains to the Valley Gardens and add to the attraction of that area.

Yesterday, members of the council's planning committee visited the site to see where the work would be done.

There was nobody who objected to the proposal at the visit. At a meeting afterwards, they voted in favour of the scheme.

Chairman of the committee, Councillor Helen McLuckie, said: "It is good news for Saltburn and it will enhance the area. It will be an asset to Saltburn."

The miniature railway has been operating on its existing route for more than 50 years and has been run by volunteers for the past ten years, operating on a lease basis from the council.