THE Duke of Gloucester was in South Tynedale this week to revive historic railway attractions from a bygone era.

Prince Richard was at Alston station on Monday, where the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society enhanced its renowned steam train experience with the unveiling of a new heritage engineering workshop, a cafeteria, and public toilet block.

An additional platform, and a new roof for the train shed have also been added at Alston.

The Duke also re-opened a 1.3-mile stretch of line between Lintley Halt and Slaggyford, which will extend the society's long established 3.5-mile steam train route from Alston to Lintley Halt.

On the same day, North Tyne piper Kathryn Tickell OBE, was at Slaggyford station, which was revived for the first time since its closure in 1976, with the building of a replica signal box, a traditional gated level crossing, a waiting room, ticket office, shop, cafe and toilets.

The renowned piper attended in her role as a deputy lieutenant of Northumberland, representing the Duchess of Northumberland.

Read the full story in this week's Hexham Courant.