Yorkshire Wolds heritage railway project opens

East Yorkshire's first heritage railway project has been opened on part of a line that was closed in 1958.

The Yorkshire Wolds Railway project has opened to visitors on the old Driffield to Malton line at Fimber Halt.

The group currently runs a 1970s diesel engine on about 330 ft (100m) of restored track. It has raised more than £80,000 since forming seven years ago.

The group has planning permission for a mile (1.6km) of track and plans to recreate a small, rural branch line.

The 20-mile (32km) Driffield to Malton line was opened in 1853 as part of a larger plan to bring coals from Newcastle to the docks at Hull.

Sold for scrap

That did not materialise and it was used to transport chalk from quarries, agricultural produce and passengers.

The passenger service was known locally as the Malton Dodger.

The line had stations at Malton, Settrington, North Grimston, Wharram, Burdale, Sledmere & Fimber, Wetwang, Garton and Driffield.

Most of the track was lifted shortly after the route closed and sold for scrap.

The 20-mile (32km) line was opened in 1853