School kids have been given a special train ride into the future as they took a trip up the new Northumberland Line, set to open next year.

The children were given a glimpse into what the county’s public transport will look like in the future as they took a special train service between Newcastle and Morpeth.

The line is set to reopen to passengers in December 2023 and will see six proposed new stations built, reconnecting towns including Blyth and Ashington to the rail network.

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On the journey the kids passed through five of the six new stations set to be built at Northumberland Park, Seaton Delaval, Newsham, Bebside, Bedlington and Ashington.

The Northern Echo: Picture: PRPicture: PR

Kerry Peters, regional director at Northern which will run trains on the route when it opens, said: “Bringing new rail services to the North East as part of the Northumberland Line is really exciting and we’re honoured to be able to connect all the communities based along the route.

“It was wonderful for the children to see the routes they will be able to travel on and enjoy in the near future.”

Children from The Dukes School Rail Club, The Dales School, New Hartley First School and Newcastle YMCA Mother and Toddler group took part in the event.  

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The reopening of the line is being funded by the government’s Restoring Your Railway Fund, which offered development funding to look into restoring lost rail services.

The new line is also expected to provide a link with the Tyne and Wear Metro at Northumberland Park.

The Northern Echo: The children got to make the special journey. Picture: PRThe children got to make the special journey. Picture: PR

Earlier this year the Department for Transport provided £34m towards detailed design and preparatory works which will allow for the reintroduction of a regular passenger rail service between Ashington and Newcastle Central.

Northern, which will operate the route says it is already developing plans for its timetable.

Glen Sanderson, Northumberland County Council leader, said: “It is great for children to get a glimpse of what is coming to the county in the near future.

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“Perhaps more than anyone, this new line will bring benefits to young people as it will open up improved access to education, jobs and homes for many years into the future.

“As the line develops we look forward to sharing this journey with many more communities along the route.”

The line is currently only used by freight trains but will see passengers using it for the first time from December 2023.

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