THE company behind developments at Hellifield Station has unveiled a new partnership to run steam trains on the historic Settle-Carlisle line all year round.

West Coast Railway Co has teamed up with 21st Century Trains to launch Steam Journeys to Remember, a series of trips by steam over the world famous railway.

The partnership aims to provide high quality, value for money steam trips on the Settle-Carlisle, and the two have been brought together by the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company.

The inaugural trip from Hellifield, called Autumn Colours, will take place on October 24 and will be followed by three Christmas specials on Saturdays in December.

The aim is to complement other services on the route and to work with no disruption to regular services.

The partnership is taking advantage of West Coast becoming the first company outside the big train operators to acquire an approved safety and training manual, which proves that they can operate trains to the highest of safety standards.

David Smith, of West Coast Railway Co said: "This move reinforces our commitment to the Settle-Carlisle and further consolidates our investment at Hellifield. I look forward to this joint venture with great expectations."

Businessman Stuart Harrison, who is also the secretary of the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line, is behind 21st Century Trains, and he added the partnership had made possible what was previously thought to be too costly.

"Steaming over Ribblehead is such a magical experience we intend to make it available to a wider audience," said Mr Harrison.

Meanwhile the engine shed at Hellifield station is expected to be finished by Christmas, and the locally dubbed "road to nowhere", joining the station development with the A65, will be extended to the station in early spring next year.

It is hoped that the Hellifield station engine display shed and visitor centre will open to the public at Easter 1999.

To book places on the steam trains contact 21st Century Trains on 01274 832664.

* Sunday trains are to run all winter on the Settle-Carlisle line.

Train operator Northern Spirit has announced the introduction of three trains in each direction linking Leeds and Carlisle every Sunday.

Northern Spirit general manager Andy Paterson said: "The increase in popularity of the Dales as an all year round tourist spot gives us a good reason to provide these new rail services.

"Day trips and weekend visits are catered for as well as the chance to see world famous scenery outside the peak holiday season.

"The line looks different in different seasons so there is now something for everyone seven days a week, 12 months a year."

The Friends of the Settle-Carlisle line are delighted with the move.

Secretary Pete Shaw told the Herald: "It is wonderful news. We have wanted to see an all year round Sunday service for many years. It is a very positive step forward.

"We are quite convinced that these trains will be well used. The national trend is that Sunday afternoon and evening services are well used, and we would expect that on the Settle-Carlisle.

"The Friends are providing guided walks from the first train from Leeds every single Sunday."

Until now there has been no Sunday service on the line from October until March, with the exception of specials, and the train watchdog had told former train operator Regional Railways that it was obliged to run winter Sunday services.

"There was considerable discussion last year because Regional Railways did not think they were obliged to run them, so it is coming in this winter," added Mr Shaw.

Details of the new winter Sunday trains are available by phoning national rail inquiries on 0345 484950, or from staffed stations.

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