HERITAGE and train enthusiasts are a step closer to realising their dream to reopen one of England's most picturesque railway lines.

Plans to restore passenger services along the scenic Weardale line, in County Durham, overcame a major hurdle yesterday when they received Government backing.

The move clears the way for services to begin on the line in 2004.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott granted the Weardale Railway Limited, and Weardale Railway Trust, a 400-strong team of volunteers with charity status, permission to reopen the line between Bishop Auckland and Eastgate.

The Wear Valley Order, which the company applied for three years ago, allows the consortium to purchase and start work on the track.

Weardale railway line closed to passengers in the early 1950s and ceased completely in 1993 when regular freight traffic to the Eastgate Cement works ended.

Since then it has fallen into a state of disrepair, so initially volunteers will clear away almost a decade of undergrowth.

Engineers will replace worn sleepers and rails, tighten connections, replace or repair platforms and reinforce bridges along the route.

Two diesel trains have been purchased to operate a daily service from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope, as soon as 2004, which will later be extended to Eastgate.

During peak season, a steam train and visitor excursion services will operate in a bid to attract tourists to the area.

Sir William McAlpine, chairman of the company, said he was thrilled with the announcement and thanked Durham County Council, Wear Valley District Council and North-West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong for their support.

Gerry Mudd, commercial director of Weardale Railways Limited, said: "About 15 full-time jobs will be created, and hopefully more employment will be generated indirectly.

"This is a welcome announcement but just the first step, funding must now be secured for the rest of the scheme."

It is hoped the scheme will boost the dale's economy, which has suffered a series of blows recently with the foot-and-mouth disease crisis and the impending closure of Lafarge's Blue Circle cement works.

Councillor Olive Brown, leader of the district council, said: "This is the first really good news we have had for Weardale in some time.

"The Weardale Railway is a flagship project, with great potential for assisting the area's regeneration through the direct benefits for the local economy through tourism and community impacts."

Steve Raine, director of Weardale Railway Trust, said: "There is already a lot of enthusiasm over the project as it will create improve links for residents and encourage visitors to the area, those interested in rail heritage and the area's attractions."

Anyone who can donate money or time to the trust can call Stanhope Station on (01388) 526262