Weardale Heritage Railway in County Durham has appointed Claire Gibbons as its new General Manager. She is the first woman to take up the post.

Claire joined the Weardale Railway in 2022 in the role of Senior Community Liaison Officer.

In her new post, Claire will oversee the ongoing development of the Railway. Her main focus will be on improving its facilities and progressing the restoration of passenger services to Weardale.

The Railway hopes that these initiatives will create jobs and training opportunities as well as supporting tourism and economic regeneration in the region.

The Weardale Railway runs for eighteen miles from Bishop Auckland to Eastgate, and for sixteen miles between Bishop Auckland West and Stanhope.

In 2020, the Auckland Project rescued it from administration. Since then, its has received over three million pounds to fund repairs and infrastructure improvements.

The Railway operates heritage services and events, which include afternoon teas, wine and cheese trains and the seasonal Santa Express.

It also offers hands-on driver experiences. Participants take the controls of the Railway’s Sentinel Locomotive.

The loco came to Weardale from Daw Mill in 1993. It is powered by a Rolls Royce 8 cylinder supercharged engine, has 325 brake horse power and is capable capable of hauling 1500 tonnes.

The driving experience, which costs £250, includes instruction from an expert driver. Participants take the locomotive on a six-mile round trip through Weardale. At the end, participants receive a certificate.

The new general manager will also lead the Weardale Railway’s celebrations of the bicentenary of the modern railway. These will include planting two hundred bulbs at each station, and two hundred native trees and shrubs along the Railway’s route. Rail tours will also be visiting the Weardale Railway as part of The Railway 200 Special.

The Weardale Railway is part of The Auckland Project, which is a regeneration charity aiming to make Bishop Auckland a popular destination for visitors. The area’s attractions include Auckland Palace, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery, the Faith Museum, extensive gardens and Deer Park.

“The Weardale Railway is a real hidden gem, and I’m thrilled to be leading it into an exciting future.

“When I first joined 3 years ago as Senior Community Liaison Officer, I knew little about trains, but working closely with them and even a chance to drive one, I was hooked. I can’t wait to work with the community continuing to deliver fantastic events and experiences that showcase everything this beautiful railway has to offer.”

Claire Gibbons, General Manager, Yorkshire Wolds Railway