Prisoners helped clear five miles of track for steam trains

Six inmates from Acklington Prison worked alongside staff and volunteers to open the Weardale Railway.

They were among 300 inmates from eight North East prisons who helped clear the track between Wolsingham and Stanhope.

Helpers were being presented with certificates on Thursday by Weardale Railway managing director Brian Morris.

Floral displays

The initiative to employ prisoners was taken by former prison officer Tony Galley, under a new scheme, the North-East Restorative Community Partnerships, which is partly sponsored by the Prison Service.

Mr Galley said: "Offenders have made a massive contribution to the development of the railway."

They also helped put up signs, with painting and floral displays and cleaning carriages.

The railway opened in July, but 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.