SHARES in the company which aims to reintroduce passenger train services to Wensleydale are proving a runaway success - with the minimum subscription raised in less than a week.

Wensleydale Railway plc needed to raise at least £50,000 in subscriptions by the end of January to ensure the share offer, launched at the end of November, remained open.

In fact, the amount was raised in a few days, total investment topped £350,000 by this week and investors are still queuing to subscribe. The response came from all over the UK with investments ranging from the minimum £100 to five-figure sums.

Mr Scott Handley, chief executive, said demand for shares showed no sign of declining and the company was receiving daily requests for the prospectus.

"The applications for shares that we have seen to date have given us great encouragement," he said. "Given the recent difficulties faced by the railways, it is satisfying to see that investors have faith in our approach.

"The share offer, based on ordinary shares at £1 each, aims to raise up to £2.5m towards the cost of reinstating passenger rail services between Northallerton and Garsdale.

Wensleydale Railway plc will lease or buy the assets of its forerunner, Wensleydale Railway company, which acted as the development arm of the Wensleydale Railway association.

l Richmondshire district council has confirmed its support for the company's plans to reinstate the line between Hawes and Garsdale.

The economic, cultural and leisure committee agreed on Tuesday it would have economic benefits for the area.

l Leading article: page 18.