Rail enthusiasts purchase track

The railway still needs to raise £50,000

A group of rail enthusiasts have bought an eight-mile stretch of track in Derbyshire's Peak District.

Wyvern Rail wants to run a passenger service between Wirksworth and Duffield on the Ecclesbourne Valley line.

The community rail group agreed a 15-year lease-purchase deal with Network Rail in 2003 and the deal was finalised a few days ago.

"This gives us the springboard we need," said Martin Miller, managing director of Wyvern Rail.

Major milestone

"Having full possession of the railway gives us the confidence to raise the £50,000 in additional funding that we will need to get half way to our ultimate objective of Duffield," he said.

Since work began in November 2000, volunteers have cleared the whole 8.5-mile railway and restored services at its northern end.

John Snell, Wyvern Rail's chairman, said: "It is a testament to the commitment of our volunteers and shareholders that we have achieved this major milestone so soon."

The line, which runs from Wirksworth to Duffield, meeting the main line near Derby, was closed to passengers in 1947 and shut completely in 1989.