PASSENGERS on the Esk Valley railway line received a Valentine's gift with a difference on Monday, when trains started running again following renewal of the track between Sleights and Whitby.

The £2.5m Network Rail project replaced nearly two miles of line, using 10,000 tonnes of ballast, 4,700 sleepers as well as new track.

Dyan Crowther, route director at Network Rail, said the project was the final section of a ten-mile stretch of track which had been renewed over the last three years, between Glaisdale and Whitby.

"Once the new track has bedded in, we will be able to raise the line speed and remove a long standing weight restriction," she said.

"Passengers will experience the benefits immediately, as the new continuous-welded rail and smoothed curves provide a better ride for trains."

Lawrie Quinn, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said the local economy and communities along the Esk Valley and Whitby were significantly dependent on good quality transport links.

"As a railway civil engineer, I can appreciate the complexities of the construction and am very glad that the train operating company using the route and the Strategic Rail Authority recognised the crucial timing for this multi-million pound investment," he said.

"This project deserves national recognition and that is why I have been pleased to highlight the considerable achievements of everyone involved with the Railways Minister, Tony McNulty.