Full steam ahead for railway-helper appeal

Volunteers are wanted to come on board and help out at a heritage railway project.
Volunteers are wanted to help out in numerous ways at the Aln Valley Railway.Volunteers are wanted to help out in numerous ways at the Aln Valley Railway.
Volunteers are wanted to help out in numerous ways at the Aln Valley Railway.

People can lend a hand in numerous ways at the Aln Valley Railway.

The development aims to reopen most of the former branchline between Alnwick and Alnmouth.

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Construction work started in Alnwick four years ago and since then, a new platform has been built at the site, while track has also been laid.

The attraction is open during the summer season – as well as for special events outside the main tourist months – offering short train rides to visitors. There is also a museum, among other things.

As the project grows and develops, more volunteers are wanted to join the ranks – and there are many ways you can help. Ron Bernstein, who is one of the trustees for the Aln Valley Railway Trust, said: “We are looking for more helpers – even if it is for an hour at a time.

“A lot of people come to the railway and say ‘I haven’t got anything to bring to the party and I haven’t got any skills’, but if you’ve got enthusiasm, there is always something to do – be it painting, gardening, helping in the museum, among many other things.

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“And don’t be put off if you’re not interested in railways. This is about the camaraderie and the enjoyment of being part of a community project, which just happens to be a railway.”

He added that financial support is also welcome for the project, which aims to be operational into Alnmouth Station by 2020.

For details and to volunteer, visit alnvalleyrailway.co.uk