Since 1965, there has been no rail movement in and out of Horton Quarry in Ribblesdale, North Yorkshire, until now.

GB Railfreight operated the first freight train into the Quarry, which is owned by Heidelberg Materials UK.

The Quarry, which produces limestone and quality gritstone for surfacing, has been open since 1889 and recently had a new rail terminal constructed.

The new terminal will be tested for two weeks to ensure it remains operational.

Once completed, it will allow the Quarry to distribute materials across the North West.

They plan to have regular rail freight services resuming for the first time in six decades.

This plan is part of GB Railfreight’s aim to increase sustainable freight practices and its transport across the region.

A fully laden freight train can take 129 lorries off the road, significantly reducing the need for road haulage and reducing pollution caused.

“Re-utilising sites like Horton Quarry are essential to growing rail freight – doing so makes our roads safer and improves air quality. Getting trains running from the Quarry again is testament to the hard work of many and I am delighted that GB Railfreight are running this service for Heidelberg Materials.”

John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer