DIGNITARIES from the world of transport enjoyed a train ride along the Tyne Valley line last week.

Civil servants from the Department for Transport and the Association of Community Rail Partnerships were on board for the trip to promote the route from Newcastle to Carlisle.

The Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership hosted the visit, which highlighted the not-for profit work it undertakes along the line for the benefit of rail users.

The journey included stops at several stations in Tynedale, and culminated with the official opening of a new facility at Haltwhistle station, where the old booking hall has been transformed into a new education room.

The Grade II listed building, at the entrance to the eastbound platform, dates back to 1838 and includes a wooden booking office wall and ticket racks.

With support from the Railway Heritage Trust and Tyne Valley Line operator Northern, the booking hall has been refurbished. It will be leased by the community rail partnership as a venue for its education project, named Switches and Crossings.

The day also included trips to Corbridge station, where dignitaries visited the Valley restaurant to meet English Heritage staff, members of the Corbridge community and a group of Syrian refugees based in Gateshead.

There was also a stop at Hexham station, where the old waiting room is being turned into a micro pub.