The remote and beautifully situated narrow gauge South Tynedale Railway has won a national Transport Trust Restoration Award, which was presented on Monday by Prince Michael of Kent.
The award is for the restoration of the unique and historic 1908 Thomas Green & Company of Leeds steam locomotive "Barber".
"Barber", a unique survivor from a rare British builder, worked for more than 40 years in the Harrogate gasworks railway.
Named after the chairman of the gasworks, Francis Barber, it fell out of use by 1949.
Attempts to restore this iconic locomotive in Bradford and then Leeds proved unsuccessful due to lack of funds, until a major appeal by South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society was launched in 2011 and secured the necessary funds to complete the restoration.
Donations and grants included one from the Transport Trust.
The restoration has been carried out by Alan Keef, of Ross-on-Wye, since 2012.
"Barber" will return to steam operation in Alston later this year.
Accepting the award on behalf of the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society, volunteer Tim Wickens said, "It is with great pleasure that we have been asked to accept this award on behalf of our friends and colleagues at the South Tynedale railway at Alston. We are immensely grateful for the generous support and contribution provided by the Transport Trust in achieving our aim of restoring "Barber", a remarkable survivor and unique steam locomotive. "Barber" is believed to be the only locomotive of its type still in existence in the northern hemisphere and one of only four of Green's locomotives anywhere. Rescued for preservation by the Narrow Gauge Railway Society in 1956, it will return to operational service at Alston at the end of August this year. As a result of the quality of the restoration work "Barber" not only represents a historic attraction in its own right, but will provide our railway with a powerful and reliable locomotive taking passengers on a wonderful journey through the beautiful South Tyne Valley for many years to come. "Barber" will play a critical role in our future plans to bring a prosperous and sustainable railway serving communities in South Tynedale. It is our aim to fully reinstate the railway to link with the National Rail network at Haltwhistle, in Northumberland, within 10 years, and we look forward to seeing "Barber" arriving with the first through train to Alston since 1976. The return of "Barber" to Alston this year coincides with an exciting £5.6 million investment program, supported by a £4.25 million award from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This funding will deliver an extension of the railway to Slaggyford, much improved visitor facilities at Alston, and has facilitated the appointment of a full-time staff team for the railway to support the society's volunteers. We thank all at the Transport Trust for their generosity in supporting this project."
"Barber" will be exhibited at the Great Yorkshire Show from 8-10 Jul 2014 and will return to steam operation at the South Tynedale Railway from mid to late August.
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