THE country's newest tourist line is proving such a hit with its first passengers that it should be on track to reach its targets.

More than 2,500 people let the train take the strain by making the five-mile journey between Stanhope and Wolsingham on the Weardale Railway last week.

The line opened on Saturday, July 17, after a determined 11-year effort by enthusiasts and will eventually connect with the main rail network at Bishop Auckland.

A breakdown on the line's first engine, a NER P3 borrowed from North Yorkshire, disrupted services at the end of last week but it was back in action on Saturday.

Bowes Railway has extended the hire of its 040 Robert Stephenson Hawthorn tank engine which arrived last week and an ex-Tarmac Sentinel diesel, restored by volunteers at the line's depot at Wolsingham, will add some extra pulling power.

Steve Raine, chairman of the Weardale Railway Trust, said: "We have a tough target of 30,000 visitors to meet over the next few months but the first signs are encouraging.

"We have only been going a few days but the reaction from visitors has been good. They have come from all over the country. The most impressive thing for me is that the passengers have really enjoyed the ride itself.

"The views from the train are terrific and much better than from the road.

"Even though it is a shorter run, people have compared us favourably with the North Yorkshire Moors.

"We printed 50,000 information leaflets. They have almost gone and businesses are crying out for more, so the line must be having some impact."

Stanhope Tourist Information Centre, in the Durham Dales Centre, reported an increase in visitors last week, the first few days of the school holidays.

Richard Lomas, of Caf Poco, in Wolsingham Market Place, is encouraged by the line's start.

He said: "We are very much behind the railway. We have seen a lot of new faces this week and, when we ask, they have usually come to see the railway.

"We need better signs in the town and at the station to direct people to shops, pubs and cafs, B and Bs and the Tourist Information Centre.

For train times and fares please telephone 08455 600 1348 or (01388) 529566.