Trains set to run again at Peterborough’s Nene Valley Railway

The popular attraction was forced to close on March 22, and an emergency fundraising campaign was set up to keep the trains running along the line.

Almost all staff were furloughed, with remaining staff keeping things ticking over. Crucial grants and very generous donations from the public have all gone to help keep this 43 year old railway alive.

Acting General Manager Kim Shaw said: “Over the last few weeks slowly and steadily we have welcomed small groups of volunteers back to help tidy up and maintain our stations and get them ready for re-opening.

“Then in more recent weeks we have been able to un-furlough some, but not all, of the paid work force to come in and get trains and carriages ready as well as open up our office functions.

“This whole prep time has led to the whole of the 7.5 miles of track being checked and any repairs made, the locos and the carriages made fit to run.

“We have had to have all of the drivers, fireman, signalmen, guards and platform staff all assessed and passed ready to open our doors this coming weekend. “Its been a monumental task to pull off.

“This weekend we see Thomas out pulling the carriages. It will be a slow and gentle start with short trips to our pretty end of the line stop at Yarwell and return. We have implemented social distancing measures, we have hand sanitising stations in place and have purchased in some new toilets for our visitors to use.”

Last weekend the station at Wansford was opened to the public for the first time, in preparation for the first services running again.

For more information, or to book tickets, visit https://www.nvr.org.uk/