A regional rail link that once looked doomed but was saved thanks to public demandcelebrated its 150th anniversary yesterday.

Civic leaders and staff from the Wensleydale Railway travelled between Bedale and Leeming Bar, in North Yorkshire.

The short journey marked the 150th anniversary of the first passenger service between the two stations on February 1, 1855.

In 1846, an Act of Parliament granted permission for a railway to be built and, less than two years later, the line was opened as far as Leeming Lane, renamed Leeming Bar in 1902.

However, it was another six years before building began on the 13/4-mile extension to Bedale.

After 99 years service, the station closed to passengers on April 26, 1954, and to goods traffic on September 4, 1967.

In 2003, trains began passing through Bedale without stopping, on the 12-mile shuttle service between Leeming Bar and Leyburn, after the Wensleydale Railway Company began running a regular service along the line.

A year later, Bedale Station was opened again to passengers at the same time as the five mile extension from Leyburn to Redmire reopened.

Ruth Annison, marketing director of Wensleydale Railway, believes the station and railway will help to revitalise Bedale in coming years.

She said: "Later this year there will be major celebrations in Bedale.

"Hambleton District Council and their funding partners are undertaking an important regeneration scheme adjacent to the station, to create employment and improve pedestrian access into the town centre.

"The railway will play a significant part in the future and prosperity of Bedale."

Plans for the land next to the station include an exhibition and gallery space, plus associated workshops. Plans for a conference centre on the land have been dropped.

Among the passengers on the historic journey was the mayor of Bedale, Councillor Ellen Dunning and the chairman of Aiskew Parish Council, Councillor Bob Pocklington.

Other representatives from the local community included John Laity, chairman of Bedale Chamber of Trade and John Noone, chairman of Bedale Hall management committee.