Churnet Valley Railway are looking for more volunteers to help make their 40-year dream of extending the railway line into Leek a reality.

As the work nears fruition, trains will soon be able to call at Leek for the first time since 1965!

We reported previously how the railway was granted planning permission to extend into Leek and they have since been working to make that happen.

But more volunteers have been asked to get involved, with demand expected to increase once the work is complete.

Look through the gallery of pictures at the bottom of this article to see the current volunteers in action!

Spokesperson for the railway, Jon Kerr said: "The Churnet Valley Railway is on the cusp of exciting times, as the 40 year dream to extend into Leek nears fruition and trains can call at the Staffordshire market town for the first time since 1965!

"With this re-opening so near, thoughts are already looking ahead to operating the future services. All of the CVR's current train services are operated by our well renowned friendly team of volunteers, and whilst the CVR does not presently operate the most intense of services this is expected to increase with the Leek extension. Therefore preparations are needed now and we are inviting people to get involved within our Operations Department. This department supplies the Guards and Crossing Keepers for the railway, and we are particularly interested to hear from volunteers with past experience.

 "Whether this is through the mainline, or other heritage railways, if you have more than 12 months experience of performing either roles and are interested in joining our team in operating Staffordshire's Premier heritage railway then we invite you to get in touch now. The need to pass a conversion course is required, that will enable us to take your experience and align you to our own rules, but for those with sufficient experience this will not be too much of a drag. The Churnet Valley offers over 10 miles of varied lineside, with the tranquil valley floor weaving alongside canal and river contrasting with the far-reaching moorlands on the steeply graded Cauldon Lowe branch.

"If you are interested then please contact ourselves, and include a quick summary of your experience, to which we will respond to you as soon as possible and welcome to you into our railway family."

https://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk/volunteering