RAILWAY bosses have said a big thank-you to thousands of passengers who helped make the launch of Britain's newest heritage line a success.

They have also paid tribute to the enthusiasm and dedication of a growing band of volunteers, who have worked as guards, ticket collectors, shopkeepers and elves on Santa Specials on the Weardale Railway, in County Durham.

During a two-and-a-half-month summer season, which started when the five-mile railway, between Stanhope and Wolsingham, was opened on July 17, more than 17,000 passengers travelled on the line.

Six Santa Specials - the last of which ran at the weekend - were fully booked within two weeks of tickets going on sale, attracting more than 1,600 passengers.

Thousands more passengers are expected to travel on a short winter service, which starts on Boxing Day.

"Although there are difficult bridges still to cross, the railway has already demonstrated it is a major player in the regeneration of Weardale," said Steve Raine, chairman of the Weardale Railway Trust.

"We have had people from all over the North queuing up to travel on our trains.

"But what is particularly pleasing is the number of local families who have travelled time and time again on the line.

"Weardale people had faith in the railways when industry first came to the dale. We believe that faith has been recaptured, but for different reasons and to support different types of industry."

Two trains a day will run on the winter service between Wolsingham and Stanhope from Boxing Day to Monday, January 3.

These services are not bookable. For departure times telephone 0845 600 1348.