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Volunteers at a heritage railway near Northampton are going full steam ahead ready to finally run their first trains of the year on August 2.

The Northampton & Lamport Railway feared it could hit the buffers after being closed for more than four months during the Covid-19 crisis.

But an urgent appeal raised enough cash to keep things running and now the countdown is on for next month's grand — but limited — reopening.

Four services will run at 90-minute intervals along the 1½-mile track from Pitsford & Brampton Station, just east of Chapel Brampton and located behind the Brampton Halt pub.

But, instead of the usual all-day rover tickets, single journeys only will be available due to social distancing rules. Tickets must also be bought online in advance to reserve seats.

General manager Adam Giles said: "In order to keep everyone safe who visits our railway, we are asking all visitors to follow government guidelines, wash their hands and use the sanitisers which will be placed around the station and on the train.

"Each group will be allocated specific seats to ensure social distancing and a one-way system o n the train will help further minimise any risk."

Northampton & Lamport Railway is a mecca for rail enthusaists and run entirely by volunteers

Enthusiasts started work to revive the railway after the British Rail line from Northampton to Market Harborough closed in 1981 and the first passengers were carried on a short stretch of track in 1995.

An appeal to help keep the railway running during the Covid-19 crisis has so far raised more than £3,100 and will remain open.

Mr Giles added: "A huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far — but we still have nearly three weeks of closure still to go.

"Even when we do reopen, visitor numbers could be lower than usual so this remains a critical time for the Railway.

Crowds turned out in force to see the first passengers on the stretch of line in 1995

"Our Appeal remains open and if you would like to help us you can purchase advance tickets via our website.

"You can also buy gift cards which are valid for two years and can be redeemed online for ANY of our events once we are fully open again.

"Alternatively, you can make donations via our Golden Giving fundraising page or you can become a member of the Northampton and Lamport Railway CIO."

Northamptonshire's heritage railway is back on track to reopen on August 2