IT has been a long journey, but today, finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Weardale Railway.

The American company running the heritage line is on track to start running passenger services from Stanhope to Bishop Auckland by the the autumn.

The Americans have proved to be good custodians of an important part of Britain’s railway heritage.

They brought jobs to the area by setting up a UK headquarters at Stanhope station, where there is now a tenstrong workforce.

But that could be small fry if the railway succeeds in linking up with the national network.

As well as a direct connection with Locomotion: the National Railway Museum in Shildon, charter trains from anywhere in the country could start using the line again – opening up the dale to a much-needed influx of visitors.

We applaud the efforts of the British American Rail Services Company, and the scores of volunteers whose hard work and dedication has made this possible.

Without their patience and devotion, the line to Bishop Auckland would still be an overgrown eyesore.

We wish the project every success in the future.

Congratulations are also due to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, which hosted Take That to great acclaim on Friday and Saturday night.

With Manchester supergroup Oasis performing at the Stadium on Wednesday, the eyes of the pop world are currently on Wearside.

What a great way for the city to forget a miserable football season.