THE country's newest tour-ist railway line is proving such a hit with passengers that it is on course to reach its targets.

More than 2,500 people used the Weardale Railway, in County Durham, last week, making the five-mile journey between Stanhope and Wolsingham.

The line opened on Saturday, July 17 after an 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 Haw-thorn 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.

"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, said he was encouraged by the line's start.

He said: "We are very much behind the railway. We have seen a lot of new faces 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 cafes, B and Bs and the Tourist Information Centre."

Information on train times and fares is available by telephoning 08455 600 1348 or (01388) 529566.