Little train running out of power

John Woodward services the ageing batteries which are losing power

The future of a light railway in Derbyshire could be in doubt after the batteries which power the engine were found to be running out of life.

If the Steeple Grange Light Railway at Wirksworth does not get new batteries, it may have to stop running altogether.

It uses a rare form of battery power and cannot convert from its eco-friendly source to diesel.

Volunteer John Woodward said: "About 14 years ago they were new and £1,000, so we are raising funds to replace these."

He said the volunteers want to raise enough to bring the batteries back up to full power for another 14 years.

They are used to pull about 4,000 passengers a year along a half-mile incline on a part of the former The Cromford and High Peak Railway set up to carry minerals and goods.

It did not originally have passenger services but is now a tourist attraction for people to travel on the tiny trains.