RAILWAY enthusiasts heard tales of heroism, tragedy and sporting glory as they recalled memories of a rural track.

More than 50 people turned up for a project launched by the Craft Works group of Barnard Castle, County Durham, to record the history of the 12-mile line from the town to Middleton-in-Teesdale.

The line, which ran connecting services to Darlington and Bishop Auckland, closed in the 1960s.

Carol Emmerson, of Darlington, produced a certificate presented to her father, Maurice Emmerson, a guard at Middleton-in-Teesdale, for "courage and resource" in helping to stop 14 runaway wagons in 1955.

June Luckhurst, of Ingleton, told how her great-grandfather, John Clarkson, 65, of Cotherstone, near Barnard Castle, was killed by a snowplough engine in March 1916 as he walked along the track to start work as a signalman at Lartington.

Alf Robinson, 78, a former train driver of St Helens Auckland, handed over a picture of himself and colleagues with the FA Amateur Cup after it was won by Crook Town in 1954.

Stan Chatt, of Barnard Castle, a shunter for 20 years, said: "The trains were always busy.

"We had six military camps around here, so thousands of troops passed through, as well as local people."

Arnold Howe, of Barnard Castle, recalled how he manned level crossings in the town and at Piercebridge as a signalman.

Anne Noble, who organised the project with her husband, Tony, said: "We are thrilled that so many people came with colourful memories. They will make up a vivid history of the line."

Volunteers recorded the details and made copies of photographs and documents.

The project is being funded by the Local Heritage Initiative and Northern Rock Foundation.