FIFTY years ago, the last scheduled passenger service through Weardale, County Durham, steamed into history.

The closure of the valley's line on Wednesday, June 27, 1953, was the first to be sanctioned by the new Queen Elizabeth II and was, as the Beeching experience proved, a sign of things to come.

The departure of engine J2165078 from Bishop Auckland station, pulling four coaches, would have been a much grander affair than a re-enactment staged yesterday by an energetic band of enthusiasts working to reopen the redundant track.

The only similarity between the steam service and the two Arriva green and yellow coaches which glided in seven minutes late yesterday afternoon was the new headboard it bore proudly for the Weardale Railway Trust.

Archivist John Askwith had the original sign copied to mark a significant weekend for the railway, a Steam and Transport Festival being staged today and tomorrow in a field near Stanhope station.

Back in 1953, stations bustled with activity. Bishop Auckland's track system was a rarity where engines could turn without a turntable. Lines led off to Crook and Darlington as well as Weardale and there were branches to Spennymoor, Ferryhill and Barnard Castle.

The Flying Scotsman was just one of the big-name trains which had called in, usually when snow or track workings had diverted them from the main East Coast route.

Dales people turned out in force to give the line a good send off. They had fought for nine months to save the service and they wanted to be there at the end.

The last train was full. People going home from a day out joined about 20 enthusiasts, as well as British Transport policeman Bill Harrison, brought along in case of trouble.

His services were not needed. People getting off at villages along the route were merely standing in silence as the train pulled away.

Arrival at the end of the line in Wearhead was at about 8.30pm. While the engine was taking water and put on the turntable, a local clergyman, whose father had been instrumental in getting the railway up to the village in the 1890s, climbed on to a platform seat and made a passionate speech opposing the closure and declaring his intention to fight on.

The late John Dawson, from Ireshopeburn, wrote for the Weardale Trust's archives: "The local driver, fireman (who was his son) and guard left the scene before the final departure at about 9pm with the relief driver, foreman and guard in charge.

"All went well until just below Eastgate when the brakes went on the carriages and the driver had difficulty in releasing them. The same happened at Frosterley and at two or three other locations and, after partly dragging the train, Bishop Auckland was reached a few minutes before midnight."

Originally, the trust had hoped that the closure anniversary could have marked the end of a ten-year battle to reopen the line. Members are optimistic that some Weardale stretches will be useable next year, with the final link to Bishop Auckland ready for 2005.

* Visit the festival from 10am to 5pm today and tomorrow on Stanhope's Bondisle Field, where there will be attractions for all the family and steam fans in particular. Telephone Stanhope Station on (01388) 526203.