A series of Christmas services will run on the track

The Weardale Railway opened in July following work to restore a five-mile track between Stanhope and Weardale, which had been unused for 10 years.

The company said 13,633 passengers had paid to travel on the line and it had generated �68,188 in ticket receipts.

It said local businesses had also given positive feedback about the impact.

Steve Raine, company director and chairman of the Weardale Railway Trust, said: "Considering the miserable wet weather we have experienced during August, we are very pleased with the high number of passengers who have travelled on the line.

Technical problems

"The feedback we are getting from businesses, like cafes, pubs and restaurants in Weardale is also very pleasing. It augurs well for our future development plans."

Other people have also visited the stations which have been restored as part of the project and watched the trains instead of travelling on them.

The number of people who are members of the Weardale Railway Trust has risen from 300 to more than 800.

The railway had to end its summer season earlier than planned because of technical problems with a steam engine.

The 50-year-old engine's steam injection system has been given an overhaul and its boiler has been washed out and will be back in operation for a series of special Christmas services.