IF anyone was in any doubt about the value of the region's railway heritage, the proof was in Weardale at the weekend.

They turned out in force at Stanhope, Frosterley and Wolsingham and they lined the routes in between the stations. Despite the rain, the re-opening of a five-mile stretch of the Weardale Railway was a magnificent success.

Weardale and the wider valley haven't had much to smile about in recent years as one jobs blow followed another.

But Saturday's grand re-opening of the railway symbolised a spirit of recovery, with real jobs created, education and training embraced, and heritage harnessed.

Many individuals and organisations have played their part, including, we hope, The Northern Echo.

But the real praise must be reserved for the dedicated band of volunteers, working with the support of the Weardale Railway Trust, whose vision and sheer hard work turned a dream into a reality.

Right down to those who manfully pushed vehicles out of the bog of a car park at Stanhope after a momentous day, we take our hats off to the heroes of the Weardale Railway.

With support from the local councils, government agencies and Heritage Lottery Fund, they made it happen.

There is, of course, a long way to go. This was merely the first step. Next year we will, hopefully, be reporting on an extension westwards to Eastgate.

Then it is eastwards to Bishop Auckland, creating an 18-mile steam-hauled journey through some of England's most beautiful countryside.

With the £11m Locomotion: the National Railway Museum at Shildon opening in September, the North-East's unique railway heritage is at long last discovering its rightful place in the economic regeneration of the region.

Then we need to see confirmation that Darlington is finally waking up to the potential of its birthright, and we will really be going places.